The Fiji Islands Bureau of Statistics is joining forces with the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) to roll out an important prevalence survey on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), the first of its kind since 2010-2011. This survey, expected to be completed by the end of the year, aims to deepen the understanding of gender-based violence in Fiji and inform future policies.
Esrom Emmanuel, the Assistant Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development, and Statistics, highlighted the survey’s importance, pointing out that reliable data is crucial for safeguarding vulnerable groups and ensuring that policies effectively tackle the real issues affecting women and girls. He also mentioned that the survey’s results would provide insights into Fiji’s progress since the last assessment and illuminate areas needing immediate attention.
The government’s commitment to an evidence-based approach is reinforced by its collaboration with the FWCC, reflecting a strong dedication to enhancing the national response to gender-based violence. By collecting systematic data on the prevalence of violence against women and girls, this survey is poised to significantly inform the development of more effective interventions and support systems for those affected.
Additionally, Fiji is preparing to launch a national community attitude survey in January, designed to explore societal views and behaviors towards women and children. Led by Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, this initiative will focus on recognizing harmful attitudes to facilitate positive societal change, with support from UNICEF.
These complementary surveys illustrate a comprehensive strategy to combat violence against women in Fiji, fostering greater awareness and improving support networks. The active participation of both government and community organizations signals a hopeful direction toward establishing a society where respect, dignity, and safety are paramount, especially for women and children who are particularly vulnerable. This collaboration among various stakeholders is essential in building a supportive environment that paves the way for lasting progress in addressing and preventing gender-based violence.