Women Suffer Physically, Mentally, Says Tuitubou
The Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou says domestic violence is undoubtedly one of the biggest risks to women’s physical health and mental well-being.
He said that violence against woman and girls in Fiji were among the highest in the world.
The minister was officiating at the induction ceremony for ambassadors of the Consent Club at Tanoa Waterfront Hotel, Lautoka on Wednesday.
Mr Tuitubou said 64 per cent of women, who have ever been in a relationship have experienced physical violence by a husband or a partner in their lifetime and 24 per cent were suffering from partner violence today.
“At the ministry, we recognise that when we hold women back from being healthy and productive members of the society, we hold back the entire country from reaching its full potential,” Mr Tuitubou said.
“Men must be equally supportive and must stand up to any violence committed against women. Men must use their voices to campaign for the rights of women and put an end to any culture that perpetuate acts of violence against them.”
The Consent Club has been formed with 10 inductees, who would be going out to communities to try and create awareness to help those who have been victimised.
“The Consent Club is dedicated to creating a dialogue across the country that gets people talking about respect, personal boundaries and most importantly, always asking for partner consent,” he said.
Club advisor, Sara Conklin said, it was a newly-formed club consisting of 10 male youth ambassadors who would be acting as agents of change in the country.
“Our task is to raise awareness on domestic violence and assault against women,” she said.
She also emphasised on the importance of consent in any relationship in order to avoid any abuse.
“The conversation starts with consent because we have to respect each other’s body and each other’s personal space,” Ms Coffin said.
Mataiasi Vakalala, one of the ambassadors of the club, was humbled to be a part of the group and standing up against gender-based violence.
Being presented with an environment in which gender-based violence was prevalent inspired him to join the group.
“I have seen most of my family members, friends being victims of gender-based violence,” he said.
“It’s not only up to the woman, but it’s up to us men too, to stand up against gender-based violence.”
Edited by Percy Kean
