Why do many women and children in the society not speak out and are silent on what they face in relation to sexual offences in Fiji?
That is the question that people ask in Fiji and it was reiterated today by the Goodwill Ambassador for Women in Fiji and former High Court judge, Nazhat Shameem.
Speaking at the launch of mWomen, a mobile phone service dedicated to the women of Fiji, Ambassador Shameem said for many women and children, their silence comes from a lack of social, political and legal empowerment.
She said they do not know what the law said, they do not know who to ask about their rights and if they do speak they are afraid of consequences.
However the first female Director of Public Prosecutions has a message for the women of Fiji to use the mWomen mobile service as it will give any type of legal information needed by women and children.
People would have to pay 50 cents per service requested and is only available for Vodafone subscribers.
Within two days, 12,000 people have already subscribed for the service.
The money made from this service will go towards women empowerment programmes.
Story by: Tokasa Rainima