While my speech at the parliament may have been misinterpreted, I want to make it clear that I fully recognize the seriousness of gender based violence, and the impact it has on individuals, families, and communities.
Those are Minister of Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, Lynda Tabuya's comments in response to comments made by Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre Coordinator, Shamima Ali.
Tabuya says she is determined and firmly committed to confront the issue of gender-based violence in our country.
She says she understands the struggle of survivors of such violence, as well as the cultural and institutional difficulties they encounter in reporting and navigating the justice system.
Tabuya says it is a sad reality that, many survivors of gender-based violence do not report their experiences, and those who do frequently confront increasing barriers to access justice and life saving services.
She says her approach is to strengthen survivor-centered approaches, which prioritize the needs, rights and experiences of survivors, and work towards ending violence against all women and girls in Fiji. Tabuya believes that in order to make meaningful progress, we need to have a thorough understanding of data related to gender based violence.
She says this will assist them in identifying the most effective strategies and interventions, and ensure to stop violence before it starts while providing the right support to those who need it the most.
The Minister says her ommitment to the cause is unwavering, and she will work relentlessly to ensure that the voices of gender based violence survivors in all diversity are heard, their rights are safeguarded, their experiences are recognized and they received justice.
Tabuya says we can and must work together to make Fiji a safer and more just and equitable place for all.
Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre Coordinator, Shamima Ali is urging politicians to stop getting political mileage out of women’s bodies and opening old wounds, and re-traumatizing the survivors.
While responding to issues discussed by Minister for Women, Lynda Tabuya and FijiFirst MP, Premila Kumar, Ali urged all our leaders to learn about the dynamics and culture of rape.
She says stop reinforcing the rape myths and urges all those who are survivors of rape and all forms of violence in 1987 or at any other time that there is help available.
Ali says people can call the 24-hour toll free helpline on 1560 or contact the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre at any time.
She stresses that this is a new era after 16 years of oppression so please let us heal rather than open old wounds.
Ali also urges the Speaker of Parliament and the Leaders of both sides of parliament to arrange for gender sensitization sessions for all parliamentarians.
She says as the experts in the nation and the region, FWCC stands ready to help in any way they can to alleviate women and girls suffering.
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