We must not allow discrimination on prohibited grounds from discouraging women from making an informed decision to get vaccinated – Raj

We must not allow discrimination on prohibited grounds from discouraging women from making an informed decision to get vaccinated – Raj

By Naveel Krishant
Thursday 22/07/2021
Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Director Ashwin Raj

The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has commended the Government for securing Moderna vaccines for pregnant women saying that Fiji is indeed one of the privileged countries to have secured this vaccine.

Director Ashwin Raj also says we must not allow discrimination on prohibited grounds such as gender, ethnicity, religious or sexual orientation from discouraging women from making an informed decision to get vaccinated.

Raj says we must not allow men and their pride to override the right to life and the health of our mothers, sisters, and daughters.

He adds this is why awareness campaigns currently underway needs to be intensified and sustained for the duration of the vaccination process to allow members of the public to make an informed choice.

Raj further says we must continue to create a safe and an enabling space that empowers women to report without fear if they have been deprived of their right to access the vaccine by their families, religious or community leaders.

Raj says pregnant women, in the context of this pandemic, face vulnerability and marginalization on two grounds: the absence of a vaccine safe and suitable for their condition and the right to bodily autonomy and integrity and the ability to make an informed decision about their health and their bodies because of prevailing patriarchal prejudices.

FEATURE NEWS
Nurses call on the Govt to declare a nursing crisis, nurses getting sick and even dying due to lack of rest - FNA
With the mass exodus of nurses, the shortage of nurses, nurses getting sick and even dying due to lack of rest which is being blamed on the 12 hour sh...
11 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
BSP assists Lomary Secondary School development
Running through the rain to reach the washrooms will be a thing of the past for the students of Lomary Secondary School after the BSP Financial Group ...
11 hours ago

Don't look at your disability, look at the abilities – Naitanui
Don't look at your disability, look at the abilities that can create opportunities for a better future. This is the message shared by the ...
11 hours ago

Kelly Slater is wildcard entrant for Tahiti Pro and Fiji Pro
Legendary surfer and 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater, will compete in the 2024 SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro and Corona Fiji Pro as the World Surf League ...
11 hours ago

Water supply being progressively restored to residents living along Khalsa Rd junction to Colo-i-Suva - WAF
Restoration works are currently ongoing and water supply is being progressively restored to affected residents living along the Khalsa Rd junction to ...
12 hours ago

FTU challenges Education Ministry's appointment policies after Ministry regularises acting staff
The Suva High Court will deliver it’s ruling on notice where the Fiji Teachers’ Union has filed a civil case against the Permanent Secretary for ...
12 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Radrodro reinstated as Education Minister
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reappointed the new SODELPA Leader, Aseri Radrodro to his previous post as Minister for ...
20 hours ago

Bainimarama and Qiliho's Acquittal Appeal
Coverage on the appeal filed by Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, John Rabuku against the acquittal of the former Prime Minister Voreqe ...
23 days ago

National Program Manager for Fiji 7s, Gareth Baber appears on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Gareth Baber appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan to share his plans heading into the preparations for the upcoming tournaments ...
24 days ago

TOP