October 17 is marked each year as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (IDEP). It is a day for awareness, advocacy and action against poverty.
Poverty has various dimensions; some are evident, while others are hidden, but all are interconnected.
This year’s theme, “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Acting Together for Just, Peaceful, and Inclusive Societies,” brings attention to one of the concealed aspects of poverty: the social and institutional maltreatment faced by individuals living in poverty.
It also discusses ways to work together towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) to promote just, peaceful, and inclusive societies.
The Fiji celebration was held in Galoa Village, Serua and was opened by the Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Hon. Jovesa Vocea, with stakeholders from Government departments, Non-Government Organisations and Civil Society Organisations showcasing their services to the people of Serua.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection through the Poverty Monitoring Unit, the event also incorporated the REACH programme, which aims to increase awareness in urban, rural and maritime communities of constitutional rights in the areas of social and economic well-being and justice, focusing on legal aid, through the provision of mobile teams.
Assistant Minister Vocea said the willingness to share knowledge and insights will undoubtedly contribute to improving the lives of many, lifting them out of poverty and creating lasting change.
The Assistant Minister further stated that; “we must understand that social and institutional maltreatment remains a barrier to the inclusive and peaceful societies we aspire to build. We must work together to challenge injustices that limit opportunities, trap families in cycles of poverty, and create environments where communities suffer from violence, discrimination, and inequality.”
The theme, Hon. Vocea said sums up Government’s commitment to achieve peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
“Poverty encompasses more than just the absence of income; it also involves social and institutional injustices that perpetuate inequalities. We must address these issues directly, together,” Assistant Minister Vocea said.
He emphasised that the Government is dedicated to creating opportunities for economic empowerment and reducing poverty. Initiatives such as the REACH programme, in conjunction with the Ministry of Women’s efforts, have played a crucial role in delivering essential services directly to the people.
“These programs are designed not only to combat poverty but also to provide individuals with the resources to enhance their lives and make enduring improvements in their communities.”
“Government has recently launched the Fiji National Development Plan 2025-2029 and Vision 2050, founded with the vision of “Empowering the People of Fiji through Unity”. The Fiji NDP will be Fiji’s guiding document in prioritising the needs of all Fijians.”
Over the years, the Government has been investing millions back into the Fijian people to ensure that we do not fall into the clutches of Poverty.
“Government has shown its commitment to prioritising the needs of our vulnerable community members, which is evident from the Poverty Alleviation Programmes implemented by the Government.”
“Lately, there has been a rise in our monthly Social Protection allowances, benefiting our most vulnerable groups and this increase has led to improved access to essential services such as healthcare and education.”
“Additionally, individuals and small business owners are being encouraged to participate in income-generating activities such as farming and fisheries, which help boost household income and enhance accessibility to rural communities through the upgrading of community access roads,” he said.
For the Province of Serua, Hon. Vocea said Government has invested $39 million in the province of Serua, with $30 million focusing on our infrastructure sector in the Tikina of Nuku and Batiwai in the last two financial years alone.
“The Integrated Rural Development Framework has established key development priorities for the Province of Serua, with a focus on areas such as infrastructure development, rural water schemes, and support for agricultural clusters to empower people with income-generating capabilities,” adds the Assistant Minister.
“These are the types of investments we believe will narrow the gap between rural and urban communities.”
“We need to communicate openly, learn from successful approaches, and share our experiences to encourage a joint effort to eradicate poverty. Our collaborative spirit should bring us together to put an end to social and institutional mistreatment and work towards fair, peaceful, and inclusive societies,” concluded the Minister.
