Fiji has actively engaged in the global recognition of the International Day of the Girl Child, as emphasized by the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection. The Minister highlighted the vital importance of empowering girls and safeguarding their rights in Fiji, acknowledging both the incredible strengths of the nation’s girls and the harsh challenges they face daily.
In a revealing report for 2023, the Ministry disclosed that it managed nearly 2,000 child welfare cases through the Child Helpline and affiliated partners, with an alarming 62% linked to neglect, physical abuse, and sexual violence. Additionally, data from the Fiji Police Force indicated that approximately 63% of all reported sexual offenses in the previous year involved children, including a troubling 755 incidents of sexual violations affecting 29 infants under five years old.
These numbers reflect a distressing upward trend compared to past years, indicative of a societal struggle to create safe environments for its youngest citizens. Specifically, the Minister pointed out that in the first half of this year, eight girls under 15 became mothers, along with 481 aged 15 to 19, illustrating the loss of childhood and the impact on their futures.
Despite these daunting realities, the Minister expressed a strong belief in the power of collective action to drive change. She called for a united community effort to eradicate sexual violence, prevent online exploitation, ensure accountability for offenders, and guarantee that every girl in Fiji feels safe both in the digital landscape and in daily life.
In her reflection on this year’s observance, the Minister made a commitment to protect every girl’s rights, asserting that no child should be neglected. She urged communities to raise boys who respect girls as equals and to foster environments where every girl can learn, grow, and lead without fear.
The observance not only marks a celebration of progress and achievements but also serves as a serious reminder of the collective duty to establish a Fiji where girls can live free from violence, discrimination, and fear. The Minister’s dedication offers a hopeful vision of a future where every girl enjoys love, safety, and empowerment, reinforcing the belief in a more equitable society.