The rate of reporting on gender-based violence in Fiji is currently increasing as more people are working in this area and women are being encouraged to speak out about their experiences.
This has been highlighted by Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre Coordinator, Shamima Ali, during the 45th edition of the Regional Training Program on Gender, Violence Against Women and Girls, Human Rights, and Development at the Yatu Lau Hotel in Suva.
She emphasized that a comparative study is needed to determine whether the actual number of cases is increasing or decreasing, as the last such study was conducted in 2011.
Ali further says in Fiji, despite being a democracy, progress on issues such as gender-based violence and human rights is expected to be gradual due to the entrenched patriarchy.
She says the patriarchal systems lead to male privilege, male entitlement, gender inequality, discrimination against women and girls, and many other related issues.
The Coordinator says 46 participants are taking part in the four-week training program, all of whom are from the Pacific region.
Ali also highlighted that throughout the Pacific, we have some of the highest rates of violence against women in the world more than double the global average.
@fijivillage.com Rise in reporting of gender-based violence in Fiji linked to awareness and support efforts - Ali #fiji #fyp ♬ original sound - fijivillage
