The Fiji Islands Bureau of Statistics is collaborating with the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) to implement a pivotal Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) prevalence survey, marking the first initiative of its kind since 2010-2011. This survey, which is set to conclude by the end of this year, aims to enhance the country’s understanding of gender-based violence and inform future policy decisions.
Assistant Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics Esrom Emmanuel emphasized the significance of this survey, stating that reliable data is essential for protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring that policies address the real issues impacting women and girls. He noted that the findings would not only evaluate Fiji’s progress since the last survey but also highlight areas that require urgent attention.
The government’s commitment to evidence-based policy is further affirmed through its partnership with the FWCC, underscoring a dedication to improving the national response to gender-based violence. By systematically gathering data on the prevalence of violence against women and girls, the survey is expected to play a critical role in laying the groundwork for more effective interventions and support measures for affected individuals.
In a related effort, Fiji is set to launch a national community attitude survey in January, aimed at understanding societal perceptions and behaviors towards women and children. This initiative, led by the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, will focus on identifying harmful attitudes to facilitate positive change and will be supported by UNICEF.
Together, these surveys represent a comprehensive approach to tackling the issue of violence against women in Fiji, enhancing both awareness and support structures. The proactive engagement of government and community organizations signals a hopeful move towards fostering a society where respect, dignity, and safety prevail for all individuals, particularly for women and children who are often the most vulnerable. The collaboration between various stakeholders is pivotal in creating a supportive environment, paving the way for enduring improvements in addressing and preventing gender-based violence.