STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTER FOR WOMEN, CHILDREN AND SOCIAL PROTECTION HON. SASHI KIRAN ON INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR FAMILIES

Today (May 15, 2025), Fiji joins the rest of the world in marking the International Day of Families.
 
Family is the first place where we learn love, respect and responsibility. It is where our values are shaped and where children first experience care and belonging. Families are our support systems during good times and in times of need.
 
As the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, I must commend parents and caregivers as they are the foundation of strong families. They have the important task of raising children to be healthy, kind and confident. A child's early years are the most critical for learning and growth. This is why the love, time and attention of parents and family members are so important.
 
"Every family should be a safe space—a place where all members feel protected, valued and free from harm. We must work together to create homes that are free from violence, where women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect."
 
Today(May 15, 2025), Fiji stands proud as it Co-chairs at the Pacific Regional Conference on Early Childhood Development (PRC4ECD) in Samoa. At this important forum, we are sharing Fiji’s progress in supporting early childhood development (ECD) through stronger laws, better services and increased investment.
 
Fiji continues to lead in the Pacific by placing children at the centre of development. We know that when children grow up in safe, loving and supportive families, they have the best chance to thrive and contribute to our nation’s future.
 
On this Family Day, I call on all families across Fiji to spend time together, talk to one another and care for each other. Let us all play our part in building stronger, safer families for a better Fiji.