Cultural sensitivities within Fiji’s Northern Division have hindered open discussion about child protection issues, resulting in widespread community unawareness about safeguarding risks. In response, FRIEND Fiji is ramping up its awareness and protection initiatives to address these critical gaps.
Acting CEO Viloki Gohil reported that the organization is currently engaging with 16 communities across Cakaudrove, Bua, and Macuata provinces to conduct safeguarding health checks. This effort aims to ensure that adequate systems are in place to protect vulnerable populations, including children, women, and persons with disabilities.
In collaboration with Caritas Australia, FRIEND Fiji is hosting workshops in Labasa that bring together men, women, village headmen, nurses, and pastors to deepen their understanding of safeguarding and related issues. These sessions are designed to reinforce both policy and practice at the community level, promoting shared accountability in protecting vulnerable members.
Gohil emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “We work very closely with the communities, and while progress has been made, there’s still more work to do in terms of safeguarding awareness. Not everybody is aware, and there are strong cultural aspects that influence how people talk about these issues. It’s high time more awareness comes within the communities as well, not just within organizations.”
This initiative parallels recent calls from Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, who has urged greater community action to protect vulnerable groups following alarming reports of abuse. Kiran’s emphasis on forming prevention committees at the village level and actively involving community leaders resonates with FRIEND’s mission to bolster local safeguarding mechanisms.
Furthermore, similar training programs have recently been undertaken by faith-based leaders focused on enhancing support for child abuse victims, reinforcing the collective commitment to child protection across various sectors within Fiji.
As FRIEND Fiji continues its work, the ongoing commitment to empower local leaders and residents to recognize, prevent, and respond to safeguarding concerns reflects a hopeful movement towards a more protective environment for all. The organization’s efforts illustrate a progressive approach focused on inclusivity, aiming to ensure that every individual, particularly those most vulnerable, is safeguarded and supported in community initiatives.