Stakeholders discuss children’s need
GOVERNMENT and non-government partners gathered in Suva to discuss ways to help identify and address the needs of children.
An analysis, through a collaboration between UNICEF and the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, was introduced to the policymakers in Fiji through an inception workshop on Monday.
The National Multi-Dimensional Overlapping Deprivation Analysis (N-MODA) is a new initiative from UNICEF Pacific and the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection that assists in identifying and quantifying multidimensional child poverty.
In a statement, the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection said the N-MODA was a flexible methodology that would bring a new perspective to policymakers in understanding child poverty in Fiji with respect to the cultural and social context of the country.
“Understanding the nature of child poverty and child deprivation is critical to address the needs of children, this, in turn, will assist in developing suitable programs and policies,” Women Minister Lynda Tabuya said in the statement.
“We are grateful to UNICEF for this partnership at such an important time.”
The N-MODA will enable policymakers to determine and address child deprivations and identify those suffering multiple and overlapping deprivations, as a basis to develop, adjust, or streamline policies and programs.
UNICEF Pacific Representative Jonathan Veitch said over the past few weeks, UNICEF had noted several concerns related to children published in the media and addressing them required a deep understanding of the cultural and social context.
“N-MODA gives all stakeholders an opportunity to take into account the country context in defining and measuring multidimensional child poverty for Fiji so that the evidence informs policies and programs,” Mr Veitch said.
The N-MODA initiative will provide evidence to inform government policies and programs including critical social services affecting children and their families, particularly those most vulnerable.
The final research findings based on the methodology defined at the workshop are expected to be launched later this year.