Across the Pacific two in every three women will experience violence from a partner in their lifetime, according to a report.

The report was carried out using the World Health Organisation methodology to carry out the case study in 11 different Pacific countries. The Pacific ratio is still higher than that of the global ratio.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was celebrated and organised yesterday by The Delegation of the European Union (EU) for the Pacific.

EU Ambassador to Fiji and the Pacific, Andrew Jacobs, said violence against women and girls was totally unacceptable.

“As far as the European Union is concerned this is a very important issue that needs to be dealt with,” Mr Jacobs said.

“The European Union has always been very supportive in helping civil society organisation on women’s rights and strengthening women’s voices in the society.

“There is still a lot of work to be carried out, but things have improved, there is more awareness now especially in the media,” he said.

There was also a presentation from the Head of the UN Women, Aleta Miller, on violence against women on the root causes and prevention.

Also highlighted was the partnership of sports and faith-based organisation to create awareness on the issue.

The European Union staff were all decked out in their orange Tee-shirts yesterday – the colour orange symbolising a brighter future without violence.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is globally celebrated on November 25.  There is also a 16 Day of Activism until December 10, which is Human Rights Day.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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