Fiji has some of the highest rates of violence against women in the world, and this event brought together government, leading experts, representatives from faith-based organisations, academia and other partners to raise awareness of gender-based violence and to foster dialogue or talanoa about how to take action to eliminate it at all levels of society.

European Union

‘‘Violence against Women and Girls is a pervasive violation of human rights that affects millions of women and girls worldwide. Neither Europe nor the Pacific are safe from this plague, which constitutes a serious barrier to any society's development potential. That is why we decided to organise the panel discussion to bring together all partners to talk about how to tackle this issue,’’ said the EU Ambassador to the Pacific, Her Excellency Barbara Plinkert.

Ambassador Plinkert further stated that gender equality and prevention of gender-based violence remain a top priority of the EU’s cooperation in the Pacific.

‘‘The EU has long been a steadfast partner of Fiji and other countries of the Pacific in the fight against gender-based violence. Through initiatives like the Spotlight Initiative and the Pacific Partnership to End Violence Against Women and Girls, we have worked together with governments, civil society, and international organizations to create safer environments for women and girls,’’ said Ambassador Plinkert.

European Union

The panel was moderated by a Suva-based academic and lawyer, Ms Akanisi Nabalarua (seated third from right) and the panellists included:

1. Ms Selai Cama Korovusere, National Coordinator, Ministry of Women, Children & Social Protection (seated far right)
2. Dr Marilyn Cornelius, Behaviour Change Specialist (seated far left)
3. Mrs Ema Levaci, In-Country Manager to Fiji, National Rugby League (seated third from left)
4. Ms Alisi Qaiqaica, Team Leader, House of Sarah (seated second from right)
5. Ms Ala-Cassandra Singh, Coordinator, Emerging Leaders Forum Alumni (seated second from left)

European Union

On the eve of Human Rights Day, Ambassador Plinkert encouraged participants and audiences of the discussion to renew commitments to end gender-based violence.

‘‘Let us listen to the voices of experts and practitioners, learn from their experiences, and amplify their calls for justice and change. Together, we can break the silence and end the violence.’’ concluded Ambassador Plinkert.