The Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, delivered a significant Ministerial Statement in Parliament this week, emphasising Fiji’s celebratory activities for the International Day of the Girl Child, observed on 11th October 2025. This year marks the first time Fiji has coordinated a nationwide observance aimed at raising awareness of the challenges girls face, celebrating their achievements, and promoting their active participation in leadership and development initiatives.
In her address, Kiran underscored the importance of recognizing girls as not just future leaders, but as essential contributors to Fiji today—highlighting their roles as innovators, leaders, athletes, and change agents within their communities. “It is a special day and reminds us that our girls are not waiting to become Fiji’s future; they are already shaping our present,” Kiran stated. She urged that it is crucial to support girls and invest in a future that acknowledges their capabilities.
The Minister highlighted alarming statistics reflecting the stark realities faced by many girls in Fiji, such as teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence, and barriers to education. Recent data indicates that in the first half of 2024 alone, eight girls under the age of 15 became mothers, while 481 girls between the ages of 15–19 gave birth. Additionally, from 2020 to 2024, over 7,283 crimes were reported against children, with 70 percent of those cases involving girls, most of them related to sexual offenses. “These numbers are not acceptable,” she expressed. “No child should live in fear of abuse. No girl should lose the opportunity to grow to her full potential.”
To elevate community awareness, the Ministry organised various activities across Fiji, collaborating with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders. Events were held in several divisions, including celebrations at Nakavika Primary School in the Central Division and collaborative activities at multiple schools in the Northern Division. Further engagement in the Eastern Division reached 27 villages across Kadavu’s three districts, while the community in Koroipita hosted empowerment programs in the Western Division. These initiatives featured sessions on teenage pregnancy, early marriage, HIV/AIDS, leadership, and sports inclusion, concluding with oratory contests that allowed young girls to voice their challenges and resilience.
Kiran asserted that education remains the most powerful tool for empowerment, yet dropout rates among girls, especially in rural areas, continue to be a pressing issue. The latest statistics reveal a troubling trend: 73,295 girls are enrolled in primary schools compared to 79,240 boys, with a significant decline in retention at higher levels of education.
The Coalition Government’s response includes enhancing child protection systems and ensuring that girls have access to education and health services. Investments are being made in family and community counselling, school-based safety and leadership programs, and improved coordination between police, health professionals, and educational institutions to address abuse swiftly.
In a noteworthy initiative, Kiran announced ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Education to institutionalize the International Day of the Girl Child within Fiji’s national educational calendar. She declared, “Our message is simple; every Fijian girl matters and deserves protection and opportunity to grow to her full potential.”
This ambitious agenda not only seeks to address the vulnerabilities faced by young girls but aims to foster a culture that celebrates their contributions and potential. The coalition’s efforts symbolize a hopeful future where girls in Fiji can thrive, encouraging a society that upholds their rights and values.