The Gender Advisor (GENAD) course which started earlier this week concluded today (29th November 2019) at the Fiji government training center at Nasese, Suva with a total of 21 participants from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and other government agencies. The closing ceremony was officiated by the Director Human Resource Management (DHRM) of the RFMF Colonel (Col) Litea Seruiratu.
The GENAD course is the first for the RFMF with the intent to highlight both the disproportionate impact that disasters and conflict have on women and children and also how to use the gender perspective when planning the response to any disasters.
Col Seruiratu in her closing address acknowledged the efforts made by the facilitators of the course and relevant stakeholders who presented during the week and also added that the networks built with outside organizations will lead to a safer and secured Pacific region.
“Unlocking this knowledge and responding more effectively requires that we partner with other agencies, and for this we acknowledge the participation of our own defence personnel, the Ministry of Defence personnel, the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and also the sharing of knowledge by Church leaders, NDMO, the Fiji Women Crisis Center, UN human rights, UN women, the UNDP and the Pacific Community,” Col Seruiratu said.
“We hope these connections and relationship will further enhance or influence and inform of these activities. These networks alongside security approach that invests in its entire population in responding to disasters, countering crime, in defending against internal and external threats will lead to a safer and secured Pacific region.” Col Seruiratu said.
Col Seruiratu added that following crisis such as disasters it is everyone’s responsibility to promote a free and open region with engaging in inclusive, effective and collective security to decrease the risk of harm, abuse and exploitation of the marginalized group.
In addition to this, New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Squadron Leader (SQNLDR) Libby Reardon who was the coordinator for the course said that the discussions throughout the week also included the importance of establishing anti-harassment, anti-discrimination and sexual violation policies to ensure that anyone who puts the uniform on is guaranteed to be safe in the work place.
The course participants were awarded a certificate of completion each and were hosted to a lunch at the training center.
