Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, is urging communities to reaffirm their dedication to protecting the welfare of children, women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities in her Christmas message. She highlighted that the festive season represents unity, reflection, and our shared responsibility towards one another.
In her message, the Minister calls on families to deepen their bonds through love, care, and the principles of “veilomani”—a Fijian term encompassing love and compassion. Christmas, she believes, offers families the chance to craft lasting memories together. She also stressed the importance of being vigilant about children’s safety during holiday travels, advising parents and guardians to be mindful of their children’s surroundings and companions.
Looking back on the past year, Kiran marked it as both a challenging and productive time for her Ministry. She outlined key achievements such as the implementation of the Child Justice Act and the Child Protection Act, the introduction of the National Child Safeguarding Policy, and the establishment of a National Action Plan to combat violence against children. She emphasized that community support is essential for ensuring that Fijian children grow up in nurturing and secure environments.
Kiran also acknowledged progress regarding the rights of people living with disabilities and the elderly, including updates to the National Policy on the Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities and enhancements to the National Ageing Policy. She recognized the ongoing need for equitable access to services that uphold dignity and promote inclusion for all.
In terms of women’s rights, Kiran showcased the launch of the National Action Plan on Women’s Economic Empowerment and reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Furthermore, she noted the Cabinet’s endorsement of gender mainstreaming across 14 government agencies, backed by institutional capacity development.
While noting the significant policies and legislation in place, Kiran stressed that their existence alone is not enough. She highlighted the need for proactive measures alongside effective responses to incidents of violence. She urged anyone affected by or witnessing violence to reach out to the designated helplines for assistance.
The Minister expressed gratitude towards her Ministry’s staff, frontline workers, caregivers, and various organizations dedicated to supporting vulnerable individuals. As Christmas approaches, she encouraged all Fijians to be supportive of one another and to instill values of kindness and empathy in children. Kiran concluded her message by wishing the nation a safe and joyous Christmas, along with a New Year filled with peace, compassion, and shared blessings.