Women leaders in Nasinu are raising concerns over increasing drug-related issues, domestic violence and the growing pressures faced by women and senior citizens in some of Fiji’s most densely populated communities.

Speaking during the official opening of the Nasinu Women’s Forum today, Fiji’s Minister for Women and Children Sashi Kiran highlighted the social challenges affecting urban communities across Nasinu, including informal settlements, unemployment, child neglect and gender-based violence.

Kiran said the forum was aimed at bringing together women representatives from across the municipality so government agencies could directly share information and services with communities.

She said women in Nasinu continue to face “many big challenges,” including domestic violence, sexual abuse, drugs and rising HIV transmission rates.

The Minister revealed that two in every three women in Fiji experience domestic violence, adding that the ministry is now focusing on ensuring support systems and information reach communities at the grassroots level.

“We really want this information and support to go all the way to the ground,” Kiran said.

She also stressed the importance of women’s economic empowerment, saying financial independence could help women make safer choices for themselves and their families.

Kiran said there are growing employment opportunities in sectors such as baking, driving and machine operations, but many women remain underemployed.

“We have unemployed women in communities, so are you able to tell us who are the women and how to release them into training?” she asked community leaders.

The Minister also raised concern over child sexual abuse in crowded urban communities, saying children in densely populated settlements are increasingly vulnerable.

Meanwhile, women representative from Namatanikorovatu Settlement in Kalabu, Margaret Benion, said drug-related problems remain one of the major issues affecting women and families in communities across Nasinu.

Benion, who also serves as a health worker, said rapid housing development in settlements has also created health and sanitation concerns.

She said senior citizens are also struggling with financial hardship and poor accessibility to transport services, especially when travelling by bus or inter-island boats.

“They don’t have those facilities for them,” Benion said, referring to elderly citizens facing difficulties using public transport infrastructure.

She also called for greater awareness about elderly rights and social issues to be taught from school level.

More than 30 women representatives and leaders are attending the Nasinu Women’s Forum, where stakeholders including the Department of MSME, Ministry of Justice and other government agencies are conducting presentations and awareness sessions.