Women and girls affected by gender-based violence in the Western Division will now have access to a 24-hour safe shelter following a partnership between the Ministry of Women and Empower Pacific.
The shelter will provide round-the-clock accommodation, crisis intervention, psychosocial support, counselling, referrals and other essential services for women, girls and individuals seeking protection and assistance from violence.
Permanent Secretary for Women, Selina Kuruleca says the partnership reflects the Ministry's commitment to strengthening protection services for women and girls and improving access to quality support for survivors of violence.
Minister Sashi Kiran says addressing gender-based violence requires a collective effort involving government agencies, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, development partners, communities and other stakeholders.
Kiran says partnerships such as this are critical in strengthening efforts to prevent violence and ensuring that women and girls can live free from abuse and harm.
She also acknowledged Empower Pacific for its continued commitment to providing professional and survivor-centred services to people affected by violence.
Kiran says Empower Pacific has been an important partner in supporting survivors and promoting the wellbeing of women and families.
The Ministry has also expressed gratitude to Soroptimist International for handing over the building that now serves as the safe shelter and acknowledged the support of LDS Charities towards the initiative.
The Ministry says the shelter is part of ongoing efforts under the Fiji National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls 2023–2028 and aims to strengthen services that protect the rights, safety and wellbeing of women, children, older persons, people living with disabilities and families throughout Fiji.
