No child should be born into isolation and no young girl should ever feel that hiding a pregnancy or abandoning her baby is her only option.
This has been highlighted by Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran after a newborn baby was found inside a sanitary bin in the washroom of a tertiary institution hostel in Lautoka on Sunday.
Kiran says this heartbreaking incident is a strong reminder of the challenges our young people face today and the urgent need for a united response from all sectors of society.
She says the wellbeing of the child is their immediate priority and welfare officers from the Ministry are working closely with the Fiji Police Force and health authorities to ensure the baby receives the care and protection needed.
Kiran says this situation reflects a growing issue of young people experiencing pregnancy without adequate support, guidance, or medical understanding.
She says many of these cases go unnoticed until it is too late, often due to silence, fear or lack of awareness and we must recognise that prevention starts at home.
She says parents and guardians play a critical role in shaping their children’s values and decisions.
The Minister is calling for open and honest conversations about relationships, respect and responsibility, being present, listening, guiding them with love and without judgment.
She says when children feel safe and supported at home, they are more likely to seek help, ask questions and make informed choices.
Kiran stresses silence and shame must not be the environment in which our young people grow.
She says this is not just a family issue—it is a national concern and communities, schools, religious institutions and the government all have a role to play.
Kiran says the Ministry is strengthening child protection services, expanding youth counselling, and supporting parenting education.
She says they are also working to implement key laws to protect the rights and wellbeing of children and young people.
The Minister is also calling for compassion and shared responsibility and says these actions reflect deeper gaps in our society that must be addressed.
She is also calling on parents be present, open and involved while the society should respond with care and support with understanding.
Kiran is also calling on everyone to build homes and communities where no one feels alone.
She stresses that this must be our turning point and adds change begins at home—and it begins with each of us.
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