March brings people together to talk about issues affecting women

More than 200 people took the streets of Suva with placards and candles last night to be part of the Reclaim the Night March that coincides with International Women’s Day.

Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre Coordinator Shamima Ali says that the increase in the number of people who join the march each year shows that more people are talking about putting a stop to rape, sexual abuse and violence against women and children.

Ali says that this year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Reclaim the Night march adding that they hope to have a bigger celebration next year.

SODELPA MP Ro Teimumu Kepa who also joined in the march says that the Reclaim the night march is about supporting the brave faces that women put on year after year and one that helps people talk more openly about issues affecting women in families, communities and workplaces.

SODELPA MP Ro Teimumu Kepa part of Reclaim the Night march

Also Member of Parliament, Lynda Tabuya stressed at the march that it is vital to take this message all the way to parliament, to be able to legislate change and look at ways to deal with the problem of rape, sexual assault and violence against women and girls.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Women, Dr Josefa Koroivueta and Ministry staff were also part of the Reclaim the Night march which started from the Flea market and ended in front of the Parliament Complex.