Arts Reception and exhibition at the British High Commissioner's Residence in Suva
Art, music and cultural expression were positioned as powerful tools for social change at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Suva, as an Arts Reception and Exhibition backed the All-In Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Girls, using creativity to confront gender-based violence and its impact on families, communities and future generations.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran says violence against women appears in many interconnected forms, each rooted in power, control and gender inequality.
She stressed that while physical and sexual abuse are the most visible, psychological, emotional, economic and digital violence are equally harmful.
She says manipulation, intimidation, humiliation, financial control, online harassment and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images erode the victim’s confidence, independence and safety, adding that institutional failures often deepen the harm.
Kiran called on artists, saying that creativity has a critical role in shifting attitudes and breaking cycles of violence.
She urged artists to use their mediums to deliver strong messaging, not only on violence but also on its impact on families, communities and intergenerational trauma.
The Minister says art has long been a voice for Fijian women and girls, preserving culture while challenging social norms.
She highlighted women’s contributions across traditional dance, meke, masi, weaving, pottery, music, theatre and contemporary visual arts, saying that these creative spaces allow women to express experiences that are often silenced.
She says our institutions must enforce laws, strengthen access to justice and invest in shelter.
Kiran also outlined Fiji’s National Action Plan to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, operating across 13 settings to strengthen laws, policies and systems.
She acknowledged, however, that policy alone is not enough and that there is still a lot more to do.
She emphasised that women’s economic empowerment is essential to freedom and safety.
The Minister says every person has a role to play and that individuals must challenge harmful attitudes, speak against abusive behaviour and support survivors with empathy and respect.
She also encouraged people to report concerns through the national toll-free line 1560.
British High Commissioner Kanbar Hossein-Bor echoed the Minister’s call, emphasising the importance of creativity in shaping communities.
He says he has been in Fiji for six months, and one of the things that has impressed him most is the extraordinary diversity of passion and confidence in Fiji and its art and music, and how it connects Fiji’s histories and cultures with the creativity and voice of young people today.
The High Commissioner also emphasised the role of young artists in shaping the future.
He says when young artists lead, they shape conversations, shift norms and help communities imagine what respect and safety should look like in everyday life.
The evening featured art and live music, highlighting that creativity is more than cultural expression; it is a powerful tool to confront violence, amplify voices and strengthen a safer, more inclusive Fiji.
