Youths Urged To Help Fight Violence

Fiji sees itself as a society that values family, children and the community but unfortunately all that is eroding, says the newly appointed Secretary for Ign­ite4Change, Leone Vurakania.

He claimed violence against women and girls are widespread through the urban and rural areas in Fiji and it needs to be tackled.

The Gender, Violence against Women and Girls and understanding basic Human Rights workshop organised by the Fiji Women’s Cri­sis Centre in partnership with Ignite4Change Youth Organisation was held in Tanoa Water­front Hotel in Lautoka in January.

“It was a fruitful workshop because it in­creased my knowledge and better understand­ing of violence against women and girls.

The topics highlighted were Human Rights, Gen­der Relations and Culture, impact of rape on survivors, and Violence against Women as well as challenging judgmental issues.”

Mr Vurakania said he was really empowered on how we as youths can develop strategies and plans to promote gender equality and the elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.

“As a student of the University of Fiji and a current member of Ignite4Change I believe that my journey of combating these issues will continue and I strongly urge youths to help in this battle,” he said.

“Since the Domestic Violence Workshop, I have recently joined Ignite4Change who I be­lieve to be a very strong and dynamic organi­sation that focuses on championing youth is­sues in Fiji.

I have attended numerous trainings and re­cently advocated on domestic violence.

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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