As hundreds of devotees gathered at the Wairuku Gangamma Temple in Rakiraki for the Annual Fire Walking ceremony, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran urged the community to confront social issues affecting families.
Kiran says these issues include drugs abuse, child neglect, elder abuse and domestic violence.
She urged faith-based organizations to use cultural gatherings as platforms to raise awareness, inspire reflection and encourage action toward building a safer and stronger Fiji.
The Minister commended the Sangam Committee for their efforts in organising the event that strengthens cultural and spiritual bonds across generations.
Kiran paid tribute to elders who had the vision for building the temple.
She says Wairuku stands tall as the ancestors built first school in Fiji which was attended by Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna.
Kiran also met with women and encouraged them to register their groups and take part in the Ministry’s leadership development programs, aimed at increasing women's participation in decision-making and leadership roles.
