The Minister for Women, Rosy Akbar, has clarified that grants Fijians receive from the Government are not freebies.

She made the comment last Friday while officiating at the handing over of a grant upwards of $6000 along with kitchen utensils to the women of Nabudrau Village, Rewa.

Ms Akbar urged the village folks and those present to not believe what the naysayers said because they were not true.

“Many times, the Government is accused of giving out freebies. These are not freebies,” she said.

“See this as a tool to empower yourself and also generate income for yourself.”

The grant, she said, was for women to better their lives by implementing income-oriented projects.

“Education is one way we empower you,” she said.

“You are important to the economic development of Fiji. You should never feel left out.”

This project was made possible through the Small Grant Scheme from the Office of the Prime Minister.

Valuing women

The ministry found that 64 per cent of women suffer from domestic violence.

She said domestic violence could affect children.

“When children see violence, they learn violence. You can’t blame them,” Ms Akbar said.

“Do not fight in front of your children. Do not beat women.

“You (men) are there to provide for them. Men, please control your hands.”

She added that people must talk about their problems and find solutions other than violence in order to have a good relationship.

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