Families on Rabi Island are gaining improved access to social protection and support services following a Government outreach programme aimed at bringing essential information and assistance directly to the community.

The outreach focused on a range of issues affecting families, including parenting support, early childhood development, gender-based violence prevention and women’s economic empowerment.

As part of the programme, families were introduced to the Bebbo Pacific App, which provides parents and caregivers with practical information and guidance to support young children’s development.

The Ministry’s National Action Plan for Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls (PVAWG) team also held awareness sessions on gender-based violence, including prevention, reporting procedures and the support services available to those affected.

Women’s economic empowerment was another key focus, with efforts underway to support the revival of the Rabi Women’s Organisation and create greater opportunities for entrepreneurship and income generation.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, joined representatives from UNICEF Pacific and Ministry officials in meeting with community members during visits and discussions on the island.

The delegation also visited the Banaban Women’s House and its Virgin Coconut Oil production facility, where discussions centred on expanding opportunities for women by making better use of local resources and developing sustainable sources of income.

Minister Kiran said taking Government services and information directly to communities was essential to ensuring families, women and children could access the assistance available to them.

She said the Rabi visit also provided an opportunity to hear directly from community members, better understand their concerns and strengthen awareness of existing programmes and services.

The outreach highlights the Government’s commitment to extending social protection, child protection and gender equality initiatives to remote and maritime communities, with the aim of ensuring that no community is left behind.