Safe shelter opens in the West

Women and girls in Fiji's Western Division now have access to a dedicated 24-hour safe shelter, offering crucial support for survivors of gender-based violence. This new facility represents a significant step in strengthening protection mechanisms within the region.

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The partnership reflects the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening protection mechanisms for women and girls and improving access to quality support services for survivors.

The shelter is the result of a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection and the non-governmental organization Empower Pacific. Additional support came from Soroptimist International, which provided the building, and LDS Charities, which contributed to the initiative.

Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca highlighted that this partnership underscores the Ministry's commitment to enhancing support services for survivors. The shelter is equipped to offer round-the-clock accommodation, crisis intervention, counseling, psychosocial support, and referrals to other necessary services.

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Addressing gender-based violence requires Government, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, development partners and communities to work together.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in combating gender-based violence. She stated that effective prevention and response efforts require cooperation among government bodies, civil society, faith-based groups, development partners, and local communities. The initiative aligns with Fiji's National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls (2023–2028), aiming to bolster protection for vulnerable populations across the nation.

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Collaborative partnerships are critical to strengthening prevention and response efforts and ensuring women and girls can live free from violence.