Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya is calling for swift justice and urge immediate action from all levels of society to help prevent further tragedies.
This is in relation to the tragic incident involving the death of a woman in Raiwaqa.
Tabuya says this comes just five months since the last incident where a woman died in the same manner in April this year.
She says they stand in solidarity with the victim’s family and all those affected by this horrific violence.
The Minister says violence against women and girls continues to plague our nation, with nearly two out of three women in Fiji experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
She says this must end and is calling upon every individual, family, and community to take a stand and work together to prevent violence against all women and girls.
Tabuya says every Fijian has a role to play in ensuring that our homes, neighbounrhoods, and communities are places of safety and respect for all women and ngirls.
She expressed her heartfelt condolences to the family of the victim and strongly condemns this act of violence.
The Minister says this loss is unacceptable and heartbreaking.
She also says to all women and girls, they are not alone.
Tabuya says help is available through the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, the National Domestic Violence Helpline (1560), and the Child Helpline (1325).
She says to all women that she stands with them, and will fight for justice for the victim as no woman should live in fear.
The Minister says the Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls (Fiji NAP PVAWG), launched in June 2023, is a cornerstone of Fiji’s response to this crisis.
She says with some of the highest rates of violence against women and girls globally, Fiji is determined to make a change.
Tabuya says the Fiji National Action Plan, the first in Oceania and second globally after Australia, offers an evidence-based approach to addressing the root causes of violence and bringing about lasting, positive change.
She says her Ministry is committed to working alongside the Fiji Police Force, community leaders, and all stakeholders to strengthen preventative measures and increase support services for survivors.
The Minister is urging anyone facing violence or suspecting someone in danger to report it immediately to authorities.
She says together, we can build a safer, more equitable future for all women and girls in Fiji.
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