Domestic Violence, A National Crisis?
Newly elected Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Lynda Tabuya is going to lead the fight against domestic violence, and abuse of women and children. Days after being sworn in, Ms Tabuya said that there was a need to declare domestic violence as a national crisis in Fiji.
She said domestic violence had become an unbearable reality for Fiji and the Pacific.
Now the Suva-based lawyer-cumminister is going to rally Government to prioritise the fight against the issue.
“First and foremost, it’s always the pressing issue that stares us in the face, and that is to declare domestic violence as a national crisis against women and children. I really like to see that happen,” Ms Tabuya said.
“I think we need to declare a crisis in this and I will do my best to do so, so that the Government prioritises the fight against domestic violence.”
Ms Tabuya said she looked forward to the next four years, especially serving women and children, and all our people living under the poverty line.
“It’s a very exciting time for me. It’s always been my passion to work in that area. Actually I requested for that portfolio.” Empowerment and boosting the visibility of women in society will also be part of her agenda for change.
“The other area is the empowerment of women in terms of economic empowerment and raising the visibility of women in all spaces including leadership, entrepreneurship and community leadership roles.
“I would like to see more women
rise to leadership roles. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Poverty Alleviation
In the area of poverty alleviation, Ms Tabuya will bridge promises made in their (The People’s Alliance party) manifesto.
“In poverty alleviation, we have a commitment in our manifesto and that is to review and to look at improving what is currently being offered,” Ms Tabuya said.
“And we need to look at a decent and a dignified rate that commensurate with the cost of living that we have now.”
Children’s Welfare
Ms Tabuya is considering introducing a department of children, solely dedicated to looking after children’s welfare.
“I’m a child advocate at heart, that’s where my community work is and I look forward to serving our
children,” Ms Tabuya said.
“I think children need visibility in our country, I would love to see our Government, growing the department of children.
“That was something I was very passionate about to have a department for children. So, you have a director for children, like you have a director for women and poverty alleviation.
“I also look at setting up a children’s commission which is an independent
body that looks at the welfare and the safety and protection of children.
“We’ll have to work with the Government, put my proposal forward to the Prime Minister, but this is something I feel passionate about.”