WILMER JOEL
One of the topics covered at the Women’s Triennial Conference on Tuesday at the International Conference Center was the prevention of gender-based violence.
Speakers were Acting Director for Fiji Ministry of Women and Social Protection Emily Kamoe-Veiqati, General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches Rev. James Bhagwan, and Director of Tonga Women and Children Crisis Center Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki.
Fiji was shown to have some of the highest rates of violence against women and girls in the world. Two of every three women in Fiji said they had experienced sexual abuse at the hands of both male and female partners. Patriarchy and gender inequality were found to be the primary causes.
Emily spoke on Fiji’s National Adaptation Plan 2023–2028 for gender-based violence. Key features of the NAP were its evidence-based strategy, inclusive development process, political leadership and commitment, and partnership. The action plan’s goals are to lower risk, promote gender equality, maintain a balance in power dynamics, strengthen protective factors, and guarantee strict accountability.
Implementation was the challenge for the action plan, which required “strong political will, partnership, and thorough engagement,” she said.
Reverend Bhagwan regrets that some faith communities are “enablers of women’s violence.”
“They are preaching the gospel ideals (peace, love, hope, and faith), but not putting them into practice,” he said.
The Pacific Conference of Churches is taking a prophetic, pastoral, and practical approach to the issue, according to Bhagwan. “Prevention of gender-based violence must be at the heart of our work,” he said.
Any program addressing this issue, according to Ofa of Tonga, “must focus on changing mindsets and behaviors,” particularly for the younger generation. In addition, she mentioned gender justice theology, the revival of the grassroots movement spearheaded by women, and tactics for working with men and boys to tackle gender-based violence.