This was revealed by Minister for Women and Children Mereseini Vuniwaqa while speaking at the Fiji Medical Association Annual Conference in Pacific Harbour over the weekend.
Vuniwaqa says they have noticed a direct correlation between natural disasters and the heightened violence against women.
“For Fiji Post Winston, if we are to look at the number of complaints about assaults, violence against women. For the three years, 2013 – 2015, an annual average of 368 cases a year. That’s for the average of the three years.”
Minister Vuniwaqa says relevant stakeholders have noted this issue and are working towards addressing it.
“After Winston, when they set up these evacuation centers, there we also safe spaces for women with the relevant support systems, whether it be counseling or even access to menstrual hygiene packs during the natural disasters.”
Defence Minister Inia Seruiratu says the establishment of Fiji’s Emergency Medical Assistance Team will also assist in this matter.
“When the next cyclone strikes, we will be able to quickly establish a static field hospital in the affected area to cater for up to 100 patients a day and provide initial emergency care for injuries and other acute health needs.”
The Government will ensure that Fijians shift from a culture of reaction to a culture of prevention during natural disasters.
Meanwhile, the three-day conference ends today.
Source - Fijivillage
