Sixty women from the Sawau district in Beqa are currently engaged in a two-week intensive training program led by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC), which coincides with the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women and Girls campaign. This initiative aims to address critical issues surrounding gender, human rights, legal literacy, and technology-facilitated violence against women and girls.
Shamima Ali, the FWCC coordinator, voiced the importance of this training as part of a comprehensive national strategy designed to nurture community advocates who will tackle violence against women and girls effectively. She commended the Rewa provincial office for recognizing the role of gender equality in fostering development in the region.
Since the beginning of 2023, the FWCC has actively implemented various awareness programs targeting both men and women in Rewa. A significant milestone was reached in 2025 when over 100 men completed the male advocacy program, which encourages participants to critically reflect on and alter their attitudes and behaviors towards women and girls. Additionally, village committees dedicated to supporting domestic violence survivors and raising awareness have been established across the area.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign, observed globally from November 25 to December 10, focuses on highlighting violence against women as a pressing human rights concern. The support from Australia and New Zealand bolsters the FWCC’s initiatives to promote women’s rights and work towards eradicating violence in Fiji and the broader Pacific region.
This training program represents a hopeful advancement towards safer communities and empowers women, underscoring a united commitment to challenging the patriarchal norms that perpetuate gender-based violence. With an increasing number of participants in such educational programs, there is a promising outlook for substantial societal advancements in gender equality and the elimination of violence against women.