Leading Gender-Based Violence Awareness in Vanua Levu

In line with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei Cakaudrove (SVC) is taking bold steps to combat gender-based violence in Vanua Levu. As one of Women’s Fund Fiji’s grantee partners, the organization is working to educate communities on the urgent need to protect women, children, and families from violence.

Following a successful one-week campaign in Taveuni last month, the team—led by its president, Adi Salaseini Kavu Fong—continues its awareness tour across Vanua Levu. The initiative fosters open dialogue and provides practical solutions to address and reduce violence in local communities.

Last year, the organization reached six villages in Cakaudrove, laying the foundation for community-led change. This year, they are accelerating action by expanding their reach, ensuring that more villages benefit from these vital awareness programs.

Savudrodro Village Chief, Iva Batika, commended the initiative, emphasizing its impact on rural communities.

“I want to thank the Soqosoqo Vakamarama for their leadership and for bringing this program to us. Having it here in the village allows us to learn about the issues affecting our families, especially women and children, and the need to protect them,” she said.

“Sometimes, I hear of women being mistreated, and it hurts because I am a woman. We, as women, are the helping hand for our husbands. When this program first came to our village, only the women attended. But I told them that everyone needs to take part because it focuses on families, the vanua, and our children. I continue to stress the importance of attending this training because violence against women and children is an issue that affects all of Fiji. It is something we must work together to address.”

The awareness sessions not only focus on public education but also align with the work of the church and traditional leaders, acknowledging the evolving challenges faced by families today.

Under Adi Salaseini Kavu Fong’s leadership, the initiative is making a lasting impact, ensuring that critical conversations reach the grassroots level. With gender-based violence remaining a national crisis, SVK efforts reflect this year’s International Women’s Day theme—”Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”

By bringing awareness to more communities, the organization is investing in the safety and empowerment of women and families, strengthening resilience, and fostering a culture of respect, protection, and equality.

ENDS