The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has joined in the campaign to help protect our women.
The RFMF now has a zero tolerance policy on violence against women.
It was announced by the RFMF acting Commander, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto during the military’s end-of-the-year church service at Tuvasu Hall, Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Nabua, yesterday.
The service was attended by men and women of the military.
“We now have a zero tolerance on violence against women,” Rear Admiral Naupoto said.
“Zero tolerance policy means that if you commit an offence related to violence or you punch your wife, or your girlfriend, you will be terminated from the force.
“This applies across the board. Anyone who is reported to abuse his wife would be sacked. The abuse of women has a sad statistic in Fiji.
“I think everybody should be doing something about it individually, but we are going to do it as an institution.
“In the military, the belief is that if we look after our families well, we will become better soldiers and sailors. It cannot be the other way around.”
He hopes other organisations also take a similar stand against the abuse of women.
He said the RFMF’s stand was in line with the Prime Minister’s call for an end to violence against women and children.
Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre co-ordinator Shamima Ali commended the RFMF’s initiative.
“It’s great news and we thank the RFMF,” she said.
She said they would give their support to the new policy.

Edited by: Maikeli Seru
Feedback: maikab@fijisun.com.fj