Fellow Fijians,
I address you today, not only as your Prime Minister, but also as the acting Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection while Honourable Tabuya is away on official duties overseas. Tomorrow marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a time when we come together as a nation to confront one of the most pressing and painful challenges in our country.
Gender-based violence affects every community in Fiji, and it is an issue that demands our collective action—not just during these 16 days but every day of the year.
This year’s theme, “From Prevention to Justice: Ending Violence and Impunity Against Women and Girls in All Spaces,” calls on us to act. It reminds us that prevention must go hand in hand with justice, creating a Fiji where women and girls are safe everywhere, and justice is a reality, not just a promise.
Preventing violence is not just about policies or programs—it’s about the values we hold in our homes and the lessons we teach our children. Every act of kindness, every example of respect, and every moment of empathy within our families lays the foundation for a society free from violence. We all have a role to play in challenging harmful attitudes that normalize abuse or discrimination.
As parents and guardians, let us teach our sons and daughters that no one has the right to harm or belittle another person. Let us show them through our actions that respect, fairness, and compassion are the pillars of a strong family and a strong nation.
To those who have suffered violence, know that your government hears you, stands with you, and is committed to ensuring that support is available for you. Whether through the national domestic violence helpline 1560, community programs, or the work of civil society organizations, we are here to help.
Preventing violence against women and girls is not just a social issue—it is a matter of national importance. Violence robs our families of their stability, our communities of their strength, and our nation of its potential. It is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate it.
The Fiji National Action Plan to prevent violence against women and girls before it even starts is a testament to this government’s unwavering commitment. This action plan is designed to address the root causes of violence, promote respect and equality in all settings, and support the survivors who need us most. It includes groundbreaking work in our homes through traditional settings, faith-based spaces, media spaces, schools, and sports, helping to ensure that these institutions become places of safety and positive influence.
As Prime Minister, I pledge our government’s continued support and prioritization of preventing violence against all women and girls in Fiji. We will strengthen partnerships, provide resources, and hold perpetrators accountable. This is not just a policy—it is a promise to every Fijian woman and girl that their safety and dignity will always matter.
Today, I ask each of you to take this issue personally. Look around you—at your family, your friends, your community—and ask what you can do to make a difference.
Every small action, every moment of kindness, and every decision to stand against abuse contributes to a future where violence has no place in Fiji.
Together, we can create a nation where women and girls live free from fear, where respect is a way of life, and where safety is guaranteed in every home, every school, every workplace, and every community.
Let us unite to build a Fiji that upholds the dignity and humanity of every person. Let us lead with love and let us never stop striving for a better tomorrow.
Vinaka Vakalevu.