Women residing in rural Fiji deserve equal access to government services as their counterparts in urban regions, emphasized Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran. During her speech for International Women’s Day at the Labasa Civic Centre, Ms. Kiran called for enhanced collaboration between local communities and government agencies to bridge the service gap.
She highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by women in rural areas, who often find it difficult to obtain essential services, including legal aid, health screenings, and welfare support. “Women in rural areas should be able to access the same services that urban centres such as Lautoka or Suva receive,” Ms. Kiran stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to delivering services directly to communities through outreach initiatives.
Among the proposed services are legal assistance and health screenings for diseases such as HIV, cervical cancer, and breast cancer. Ms. Kiran expressed concern over the rising number of preventable disease-related fatalities among women, attributing this to delays in seeking medical treatment. “Cervical cancer and breast cancer can be treated if detected early, but many women come to hospitals when it is already too late,” she cautioned.
Additionally, she encouraged local organizations like the Labasa Women’s Forum and Soqosoqo Vakamarama to establish closer ties with government offices. By collaborating and sharing insights on the needs of vulnerable groups, the community can enhance the reach and effectiveness of government services, ensuring that assistance gets to even the most isolated areas.
This initiative signals a hopeful step towards empowering all women in Fiji, particularly those in remote communities, by ensuring their access to vital resources and support that can significantly improve their health and well-being.