Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran has issued an urgent appeal for unity and decisive action as Fiji embarks on the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Highlighting the staggering rates of violence faced by women in the country, Kiran’s message resonates deeply with the need for community involvement and support for survivors.
During the launch of this year’s campaign, centered on the theme “From Prevention to Justice, Ending Violence, Impunity Against Women and Girls in All Spaces,” Kiran emphasized that addressing the crisis requires a collective response from every Fijian, community, and institution. She underscored the alarming statistic that two out of three women in Fiji have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner, placing the nation among the highest in the world for such incidents.
Kiran’s appeal goes beyond mere rhetoric; she called upon all Fijians to support survivors, encourage reporting of abuse, and hold perpetrators accountable, regardless of where the abuse occurs—within homes or online. She noted, “This is not just a slogan—it’s a plea to act.”
The Minister also pointed to the government’s National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (2023–2028) as a framework driving a comprehensive societal approach to combat this ongoing crisis. Initiatives under this plan include strengthening reporting mechanisms, improving professional services for survivors, and addressing technology-facilitated abuse like cyberbullying and image-based violence.
This year’s 16 Days of Activism is not just a campaign but a call to action, linking the elimination of violence against women to broader advocacy for human rights. The government is encouraging faith groups, workplaces, schools, and local communities to actively partake in this movement and symbolically show their support by wearing purple.
In light of these developments, Fiji’s commitment to addressing GBV offers a beacon of hope. The continual focus on awareness and actionable change reflects a societal shift towards promoting safety, respect, and support for women and girls, which can pave the way for a more equitable and secure future for all citizens.