Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, Lynda Tabuya says she is deeply saddened by the recent incidents of domestic violence that have shaken our nation over the weekend.
Tabuya says her condolences go out to the families of the late Ms. Nazmun Nisha, allegedly murdered in Labasa, and are mourning her death because of this tragic and unjust event.
She says she stands with them and shares in their grief.
Tabuya says the severe stabbing of another woman in Lautoka, serve as grim reminders of the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence against women and girls in our society.
She says to the men who believe that violence is acceptable and a means of control and expression of masculinity, she warns you to reconsider your beliefs and actions.
The Minister says the law and the legal system will hold you accountable for your actions, ensuring that justice is served for all the victims and survivors.
Tabuya stresses that violence against women and girls including domestic violence is a crime.
She adds violence is never a solution, and it can never be justified.
Tabuya says real strength lies in fostering respectful, healthy, and equitable relationships.
She says violence is a symptom of weakness and psychological wreck.
Tabuya also stresses that violence against women and girls is not a private matter.
She says it is a national issue and crisis that demands our collective attention, action, and condemnation.
She says we all must recognize and uphold women’s rights, we cannot stand idle while our sisters, mothers, daughters, and friends suffer and their rights being violated.
Tabuya also says Fijian women, girls, and individuals who are experiencing violence and abuse are urgently requested to take immediate action.
The National Domestic Violence Helpline (1560) and National Child Helpline (1325) are dedicated to serving you, alongside the expert civil society partners.
Tabuya adds on 2nd June, Fiji will make history by launching the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence against All Women and Girls (2023-2028).
She says this ground-breaking initiative, which encompasses the entire government and population, marks a momentous milestone for Fiji.
Tabuya says being the first Pacific Island Country and one of only two countries worldwide, alongside Australia, to embrace a comprehensive, inclusive, and evidence-based approach, they are committed to preventing violence against all women and girls.
She also says that over the course of the next 18 months, they will be implementing targeted actions in partnership with all relevant stakeholders across key settings, which includes education, faith-based organizations, youth and sports, and traditional iTaukei as well as the carrying out the service delivery protocols to ensure the provision of comprehensive and effective services to all survivors of violence.
Detailed information regarding these actions will be unveiled during a ministerial press conference scheduled for June 2nd.
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