For the first time, Fiji has celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child with a series of vibrant community events, marking a crucial step towards empowering young girls across the country. Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, recognized this milestone as the beginning of a larger movement aimed at improving the lives of girls and ensuring their safety.
In partnership with the Ministry of Education and various organizations, the Ministry executed initiatives designed to address the hurdles girls face and highlight their potential to shape their futures. Activities spanned multiple locations, including Nakavika Primary School in Namosi, where students delivered impactful speeches to parents and village elders, and discussions at Labasa College and Holy Family in the North, focusing on themes of leadership and self-belief.
A significant awareness campaign engaged 27 villages in the Kadavu region, while the Koroipita community in the West hosted empowerment sessions that fostered collaboration among families, educators, and local leaders. Kiran emphasized that these events were not just celebratory; they were instrumental in sparking important conversations about pressing issues such as teenage pregnancy, early marriage, sexual violence, and substance abuse.
“The stories shared by the girls were moving,” Kiran stated, noting their resilience and aspirations to bring about change in their communities. The initiatives included awareness booths, counseling opportunities, and inclusive sports programs, with vital support from partners including the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Sports Commission.
Kiran highlighted the necessity of maintaining momentum through ongoing school-based awareness campaigns, leadership training, and enhancing connections among health, protection, and educational services. She firmly believes that investing in Fijian girls is a commitment to the nation’s future, insisting that every girl should have the opportunity to grow up in a secure environment that fosters confidence and equal opportunities to reach their full potential.
This initiative aligns with earlier efforts advocating for gender equality in Fiji, echoing Kiran’s continuous dedication to women’s rights and empowerment. There is a hopeful outlook that sustained collaborations can lead to meaningful transformations, paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive society for everyone.