The review of the Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Campaign will commence soon, says the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Rosy Sofia Akbar.
“The Ministry has called for an expression of interest to engage a consultant who will carry out a thorough review of the declared violence free communities in Fiji. This is a major monitoring exercise for the Ministry, to ascertain relevant data to streamline programs on the elimination of violence against women”, the Minister said.
“Through increased community awareness, more cases are now reported. The Ministry has also activated the taskforce on elimination of violence against women and children where government and non-government organisations work closely together to reduce the rate of domestic violence in Fiji.
“The review team which, should be in place soon will provide feedbacks as to how far these violence free communities have succeeded in reducing domestic violence. The Ministry applauds those Non-Government Organisations that have continued to work together with the government in trying to advance women’s development in Fiji,” Mrs Akbar said.
The Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Campaign (ZTVFC) was first piloted at Koroipita settlement, Lautoka in 2008. To date more than 100 communities have been provided with awareness programs and gatekeepers committees led by the male leaders have been formed.
Last year, “Women’s and Children’s Summit” was also organised by the Ministry for more than 100 gatekeepers who are the champions of violence free campaign in Fiji.
The main objectives of the campaign are as follows:
- To eliminate violence against women and children through working with communities and stakeholders, like Fiji Police Force, Ministry of Health, Medical Services Pacific, Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre
- To address the causes of violence against women and children.
- To create a safer community where women and children are treated with respect and dignity.
DEPTFO