Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, shed light on a pressing issue during the Multi-Sectoral Approaches to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for the Pacific workshop held yesterday (27.11.23).

“In Fiji, one in three women face violence in their homes, many children witness this, and those babies who suffer trauma in the womb of pregnant mothers may have an impact on their growth,” highlighted Assistant Minister Kiran.

The Assistant Minister emphasised the broader challenges faced by children across the Pacific region, these include parental mobility, separation from their parents, climate change, exposure to violence, online abuse, and limited access to services. Additionally, she pointed out the prevalent issue of teenage pregnancies, noting that young girls often become victims of early and unsafe sexual activities.

“Many single mothers or children from broken families, parents who are moving to work in other places, are leaving their children with relatives. Not all of these children receive the love, care, and protection they need,” added Assistant Minister Kiran.

Encouraging participants at the workshop, the Assistant Minister urged them to reflect on their own childhood experiences.

She emphasised the importance of taking this opportunity to drive real change upon their return to their respective countries and workplaces.

The workshop aimed to foster collaborative efforts and multisectoral approaches to address mental health and psychosocial support challenges in the Pacific.

Assistant Minister Kiran’s insights underscore the urgency of tackling issues related to domestic violence and childhood adversity, urging stakeholders to unite in creating impactful solutions for the well-being of women and children across the region.