A project encouraging all Fijians to take a lead in stopping violence against women and girls in their homes and community was launched yes­terday.

The project will be run in conjunc­tion with the House of Sarah, Eu­ropean Union, Australian Aid, Fiji Women’s Fund and UN women.

Titled Preventing Violence Against Women in Fiji’s Faith Set­ting, the project is using a faith-based approach to encourage gen­der equality and prevent violence against women and girls.

The Anglican Diocese of Polyne­sia, Vicar General, the Venerable Orisi Vuki, said he hoped that other faiths did the same.

“I am relieved to say that in the Anglican Church and for members of the Fiji Council of Churches, that silence is finally being bro­ken,” the Venerable Vuki said.

“Today’s event corresponds with the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, a campaign that’s run from November 25 to De­cember 10 which raises awareness about the issue of violence against women and girls globally.

“Changes are happening, though small but in the long run will be positive and life giving. As far back as 2013 the Anglican Church made a commitment that there would be zero tolerance of violence within our homes, our schools, our com­munities and the church.”

The Venerable Vuki said the An­glican Church fully supported the new initiative.

“Implementing this project will contribute to bringing that commit­ment to a reality,” he said.

“The initiative taken by the House of Sarah to take on board the pre­vention model by raising voices is ground breaking.”

For project, House of Sarah is adapting and implementing with technical assistance from UN Wom­en and Raising Voices, the Ugandan based non-profit organisation that developed SASA Faith in partner­ship with Ireland-based Trocaire.

Edited by Percy Kean

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