Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has called out men who hit their wives or daughters, cowards.

He says Fiji still suffers from a culture of rape and abuse which must be stopped and Fijians have been urged to end this cycle of violence.

Bainimarama says this cowardly acts will not be tolerated adding that any man that hits a woman is weak.

The Prime Minister joined in with other men around the country this morning via Facebook to praise the contribution of women in our society and to the country’s development.

“Any man who hits his wife or daughter is not showing strength, he is nothing but a coward. But today let’s concentrate on the positive. On this International Women’s Day, take a moment out to give a big ‘Vinaka’ to a woman or girl who has changed your life.”

Bainimarama says this is a day where countries come together each year to recognize the tremendous impact women have on our societies, economies and our nations.

The Prime Minister says Fiji owes much of the prosperity and progress we enjoy today to our women with their footprint on our society undeniable and is everywhere.

“Here in Fiji, our women are uplifted like never before something that was made very clear by last year’s election where we saw an unprecedented number of female parliamentarians win seats. We have more women starting a business every year, they’re participating in expanded micro-financing and our booming women’s expo and they’re pushing our communities to change for the better.”

Bainimarama says today is also an opportunity to focus on issues affecting girls and women in our society -from gender equality to female empowerment, promoting entrepreneurship and preventing domestic abuse.

The Prime Minister also took the time to acknowledge the roles his wife, daughters, and grand-daughters have played in his life to make him the man he is today.

He says every Fijian must pledge to treat women with the respect they deserve.