FWCC Statement on Murder of Woman in Suva

26 Apr, 2024

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The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is shocked at yet another murder of a young woman allegedly by her husband.

How many more women need to die in this way for us all as Fijians to say enough is enough and all get on the same page and recognise and agree that patriarchy embedded in society is the cause of violence against women and girls: that we need to examine male behaviour and society’s responsibility.

Fiji has one of the highest rates of domestic violence where 64% of women go through sexual, physical, and emotional violence. This is a gross violation of women’s human rights.  Men who use violence are our neighbours, our family members, our partners – and we must start treating this as a systemic problem, instead of seeing this as an issue caused by a few bad men.

Our research indicates that for the past 10 years an average of six women a year have been killed as a consequence of ongoing domestic violence.  Remember these are just the murders of women which are documented either by the media or police. What about the cases we only hear about and are not reported or even heard about.  We don’t know the true numbers. Femicide or the murder of women is a growing concern in Fiji, and it needs to be addressed urgently.

We need to stop treating gender equality, gender discrimination as “sensitive” issues and pussyfooting around leaders especially male leaders so that they don’t get offended.

There is a National Prevention Plan, but it will take time to take effect, especially when a lot of effort is being put into getting various community settings to agree to the concept of equality between men and women, respecting women’s and girls human rights. We have stop using religion and culture as excuses for men’s terrible behaviour and violence towards women and girls. We can start prevention now in our own homes and wherever we are.

After every murder of a woman, many friends, relatives, and colleagues say they all knew about the domestic violence, but it is too late.  If you know of anyone who is undergoing domestic violence, please encourage her to seek help. Call the National Domestic Violence toll-free helpline 1560 which is available on any network for 24 hours and encourage her to seek help and support.

Prevention is possible and it starts with us.

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