As the national University, FNU aims to actively accentuate the repudiation of violence against women and girls.

Women play a crucial role in the development of Fijian homes, schools, workplaces, communities and the nation. The need to eliminate violence against women and girls is everyone’s responsibility, says Fiji National University (FNU), Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr William May.

Dr May made these comments as FNU participates in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign, which commences on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (today) and ends on Human Rights Day.

“The disturbing reports in the media this year as revealed by the Ministry of Women in September this year indicate that 72% of Fijian women are afflicted by some form of violence in their lifetime,” he said.

“This is a very depressing statistic for any country.  The people of Fiji need to comprehend  that the above statistic positions our country amongst the highest in terms of violence against women and girls.”

“As per their inalienable human rights, our women and children are supposed to live free from all forms of violence to access their basic needs and rights such as shelter, education, employment and opportunities.”

FNU Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr William May

Dr May said eliminating gender-based violence (GBV) was a multistakeholder approach whereby families, communities and organisations needed to work together to call out violence and generate changes in mindsets.

“Ending GBV is everyone’s responsibility. We need to start somewhere and as a family, we can do to this by speaking out whenever we are witnesses to gender-based violence (GBV) in our homes and communities. We need to reshape mindsets  and have the tenacity to speak out.”

“As an organisation, we need to actively accentuate the repudiation of violence against women and girls as this can be in the form of physical, sexual, emotional and verbal abuse. As the national University, it is pivotal for us as we edify youths who will eventually become  men and women leaders of our country.”

“With virtually half of our academic and support staff at the University being female, FNU has a zero-tolerance policy on gender-based discrimination or violence of any kind.”

“As we embark on the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign in addition to the work done by other women’s groups and other institutions across the country, we challenge everyone to do everything they possibly can to end violence against women.”

“Those who need assistance can reach out to trusted one’s, women’s organisations or call the National Domestic Violence helpline number 1560.”

As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign, all FNU staff are encouraged to show their support by wearing Orange, particularly on Friday’s (Nov 27 and Dec 5) and on World Humans Rights Day on 10 December. Statistics and initiatives to addressing GBV will also be circulated to all staff and on FNU social media platforms. FNU has also created a special Facebook frame that users can use to show their support.