We have a serious issue to deal with as a nation and racist comments such as those from SODELPA MP, Mosese Bulitavu will not help in any shape or form in addressing the persistency and frequency of violence against Fijian women.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Women, Mereseini Vuniwaqa who says that intimate partner violence against women remains a widespread human rights violation, public health and social problem as it seriously undermines women’s physical, mental and social well‑being.

Vuniwaqa says that Bulitavu has broken new grounds by blaming a whole community and the sad thing is, he does not seem to know that he is in fact turning a blind eye to the problem.

She says what makes the statement even more deplorable is that they are not supported by any data and they are coming from a national leader – a sitting Member of Parliament who has taken an Oath to serve every Fijian without fear or favour.

Vuniwaqa says the alarming statistics and daily news on violence against women speaks volumes.

The Minister adds as a parliamentary member, Bulitavu knows too well he has a nation watching and listening to him.

The Minister says our youths and children are learning from him and questions is that what Bulitavu wants to teach those who look up to him for inspiration?

Vuniwaqa says it is extremely sad and disgraceful that a man of his standing to be so irresponsible in his comments towards the issue of violence against women adding we wonder why there is no end to this societal cancer.

She says she joins the Prime Minister in calling on every Fijian man and woman to stand up to and speak publicly against statements like those made by Bulitavu and to denounce violence against women for what it is, without shifting blame anywhere else but on the perpetrator.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama

ADVERTISEMENT