Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has taken a strong stance against the alarming prevalence of abuse, early pregnancies, and educational barriers faced by girls in Fiji. Her comments, made during a Ministerial Statement in Parliament, emphasized that these issues are not mere statistics but real children who are being affected.
Kiran highlighted the significant social challenges girls face, particularly in light of the International Day of the Girl Child, which was recognized for the first time by her ministry this year. She underscored the day as a crucial reminder that girls are actively contributing to Fiji’s present and future by leading and innovating in their communities.
Recent data from the Ministry of Health revealed distressing facts: in the first half of 2024, there were eight girls under the age of 15 who became mothers, alongside 481 births among those aged 15 to 19, contributing to over 850 teenage pregnancies. More shockingly, statistics from 2020 to 2024 show that 7,283 crimes were reported against children, of which 70 percent were female victims, primarily affected by sexual offenses like rape and defilement.
Kiran lamented the fact that many girls are not in classrooms but rather confronting the harsh realities of motherhood, advocating for the urgent need for social change. She noted that the Western and Southern Divisions are particularly hard-hit by child abuse, with rural areas also facing increased risks of violence, including technology-facilitated abuses.
Moreover, she expressed serious concern about school dropout rates among girls, particularly in rural regions, where nearly 40 percent leave school between Year 8 and Year 12—double the national average. Kiran stated that the repercussions of dropping out are severe and can lead to lifelong challenges, such as lower earnings and diminished health outcomes.
Communities have called for continued awareness campaigns, the availability of educational materials in local languages, and leadership training programs for girls, as well as enhanced cooperation between schools, police, and health services. In response, the Ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to solidify the International Day of the Girl Child as an annual event on Fiji’s school calendar.
Kiran reasserted that no child should have to endure the fear of abuse and that every girl in Fiji deserves protection and the opportunity to realize her full potential. Her emphatic remarks serve as a crucial call to action for society to wake up to these pressing issues and foster an environment where children can thrive free from violence and fear.