𝗥𝗙𝗠𝗙 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻

The Activism is an international campaign held across the globe annually and since the Fiji pre- poll election period falls within those dates, the gender-based violence working group conducted its campaign during the Sukuna Bowl competition at assigned sporting venues before this week.

Speaking on behalf of the working group, Sergeant (Sgt) Sheemal Nand says that gender-based violence is present in our society and that it does not only affect women. Sgt Nand says that if it is not confronted with certain solutions or remedies; the repercussions could hinder the development of children.

“Gender-based violence is violence directed against a person because of that person’s gender or violence that affects persons of a particular gender disproportionately. It is a phenomenon deeply rooted in gender inequality, and continues to be one of the most notable human rights violations within all societies…both women and men experience gender-based violence. Women aren’t the only victims of domestic violence,” Sgt Nand said.

“Violence affects psychological, cognitive, and social well-being and development of individuals. Children who are victims of abuse sometimes drop out of school, engage in risky behaviors, and sometimes abuse their family members. Sexual abuse, therefore, not only contravenes the victims and their rights, but it also impacts the society you live in and the organization you work for.”

Sgt Nand also mentioned that establishing programs that advocate and raise awareness of gender- based violence across the RFMF has become an institutional priority and that the RFMF has been working with relevant stakeholders to address and implement quality programs that aim to prevent and mitigate gender-based violence.

Gender-based violence working group lead Captain Samuela Demesi also highlighted that the awareness campaign also featured guest speakers from the government, non-governmental organizations and partners from the Nevada Army National Guard Unit as it is intended to build mutual understanding, strengthen relationships and networks to enable multisector collaborations in recommitting to the goal of providing awareness.

Third Battalion Fiji Infantry (3 FIR) Platoon Commander Golf-Company based in Vanualevu Second- Lieutenant (2LT) Vakatawa says that the campaign has been an eye opener to him and is one that should be often be conducted within the RFMF.

“The campaign on gender based violence has helped me understand more issues that are associated with it. It is interesting to note that gender based violence becomes a cycle If it is not confronted…with the role we play in the country this campaign is one that should be conducted regularly.” 2LT Vakatwa said.

The RFMF has a zero-tolerance stance to violence against women and children and the gender- based violence campaign is a strategy that will help eliminate such violence, and at the same time establish a sound policy on gender-based violence. The campaign itself also supports a key value of the RFMF and that is to uphold the family unit as it plays an integral role in every aspects of operation within the institution.