Fiji declares its solidarity with PNG women
18 May 2013
NASIK SWAMI | Fiji Times
FIJI SAYS IT HAS HAS JOINED THE FIGHT to stop sorcery-related murder and torture of women and girls in Papua New Guinea.
The Fiji Women's Crisis Centre has presented a petition to the PNG High Commission in Suva calling for the PNG government to take drastic measures.
Centre director Shamima Ali said the petition was in solidarity with the women and girls of PNG and aligned the centre with protests in PNG against sorcery-related murders.
"So, with some citizens also here, we are asking the PNG government for urgent action and keeping in mind all the international and regional treaties on gender and agreements," Ms Ali said.
She said the impact of what was happening in PNG would be felt in Fiji if it remained unchecked given the high rates of violence in Fiji and the Pacific.
"Fiji can help because it is chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group at the moment so they can persuade the PNG government to do something because the Fiji government is promoting gender equality."
She also urged that citizens of Fiji should be more outward-looking and see the Pacific as home and support women who faced violence and discrimination.
Thank you Fiji for standing in solidarity with PNG women and their struggle for years of complete and utter neglect by the various PNG governments past and present.
We will see what comes from the present prime minister's stand against violence and abuse of women, young females and daughters.
Posted by: Judy Warrillow | 22 May 2013 at 02:39 PM
Bula Vinaka olgeta Fijian sisters for your support in this cause. Means a lot to us. Tenk yu tru.
Posted by: Maureen Wari | 18 May 2013 at 06:47 AM