For the first time, Fiji has observed the International Day of the Girl Child with extensive community celebrations, marking a significant step toward empowering young girls across the nation. Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, highlighted this milestone, indicating that it is merely the start of a larger movement aimed at enhancing the lives of girls and ensuring their safety.
The Ministry collaborated with the Ministry of Education and various organizations to implement activities designed to address the challenges girls face and the potential they have to influence their futures. These events took place in multiple locations, from Nakavika Primary School in Namosi, where students delivered powerful speeches to parents and village elders, to discussions at Labasa College and Holy Family in the North, showcasing themes of leadership and self-belief.
In a broader effort, 27 villages in the Kadavu region participated in the awareness campaign, while the Koroipita community in the West hosted empowerment sessions that united families, educators, and local leaders for meaningful discussions. Kiran emphasized that these celebrations transcended mere festivity; they opened dialogues concerning real-life issues such as teenage pregnancy, early marriage, sexual violence, and substance abuse.
“The stories shared by the girls were moving,” Kiran remarked, noting their resilience and ambitions to effect change in their communities. The events included awareness booths, counseling opportunities, and sports inclusion programs supported by essential partners including the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Sports Commission.
Kiran stressed the importance of maintaining momentum through ongoing school-based awareness, leadership training, and strengthening connections between health, protection, and educational services. She firmly believes that investing in Fijian girls is an investment in the nation’s future, asserting that every girl should grow up in a safe environment that nurtures confidence and provides equal opportunities to reach their full potential.
This initiative aligns with previous efforts championing gender equality in Fiji, as highlighted by Kiran’s ongoing advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment in various capacities. There is an optimistic outlook that sustained collective efforts can lead to significant transformations, fostering a more equitable and inclusive society for all.