Village headmen and district representatives have commended the Ministry of Women’s Violence Free Community initiative.

Headman of Vatutavui village in Ra, Joseva Sadulu, says their village was the first one to be declared a Violence Free Community and it has been a success.

Sadulu says they have recorded a drastic decrease in sexual crimes and assault cases in the village.

Sadulu is part of the ‘Man Up Fiji Campaign Promoting Male Advocacy for the Elimination of Gender Based-Violence.’

This campaign has been supported by President Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote.

Speaking at an event in Suva today Konrote urged men to support their partners at all times.

“It aims to encourage men and boys to develop greater respect and tolerance for our women and girls .This is a quiet significant shift in our men’s sighting, it requires positive changes on how men treat women within our homes and communities.”

The ‘Man Up Campaign’ is a collaboration between the government, private sector, civil society organizations and faith-based institutions to create violence free homes, violence free communities and a violence free nation.