Across the Pacific, crisis centres respond to COVID-19 amid natural disasters

Date: Thursday, June 11, 2020

Gender-based violence crisis centres from six countries in the Pacific have faced not only the COVID-19 crisis, but also in some countries, the dual impact of a tropical cyclone. UN Women’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls programme works in close collaboration with government, civil society organisations, communities and other partners to promote gender equality, prevent violence against women and girls, and increase access to quality response services for survivors, especially during emergencies.

Early preparations and data-gathering mark responses to COVID-19 in Fiji and Tonga

Date: Thursday, June 11, 2020

As COVID-19 started making headlines back in January, crisis centres for survivors of violence against women in the Pacific started preparing for the possible implications, should it reach their shores. Having experienced multiple natural disasters and emergencies over the years, they knew that rates and severity of domestic violence escalate during crises, often coupled with disruptions to support services and a deprioritization of women and girls’ safety by state, police and other essential services.

Across the Pacific region, crisis centres respond to increased cases of violence against women amid COVID-19

Date: Thursday, June 11, 2020

As COVID-19 prevention measures in the Pacific region and around the world limited movement and encouraged home isolation, the number of women seeking domestic violence support services have surged. In Samoa, there has been a 150 per cent increase in the number of helpline calls, compared to the same time last year, says Silliniu Lina Chang, President of the Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG). “Tensions build as families are hit by unemployment, and from not being able to provide for...

Category-5 Cyclone Resilient Rakiraki Market Opens

Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2020

The people of Rakiraki today celebrated the official opening of the new Rakiraki Market by Prime Minister, Rear Admiral (RET) Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama. The new structure is a great example of the partnership between the Government of Fiji, and the Australian Government through the Markets for Change project implemented by UN Women. The new market is Category 5 cyclone-resilient and includes a 40-bed accommodation centre for rural women vendors to stay overnight, improving their personal security and the safety of their produce.

Film made by women shows women struggling with climate change in Fiji

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Three women led the making of the film in 2018 when they were students at Massey University/The University of New Zealand: Wiktoria Ojrzyńska as director, co-producer and editor, Amiria Ranfurly as co-producer, and Alexandra Brock as cinematographer and editor. Subject to Change shows scenes of near-apocalyptic destruction wreaked by cyclones and climate-induced disasters.Through the voices of women like Ravaga, the film offers moments of reflection on how much there is to lose — land, culture, languages, life.

Engaging Pacific Men to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls

Date: Monday, September 16, 2019

Violence against women and girls can be stopped if all members of society, especially men and boys, condemn it and take action.

National support for better counselling and support for domestic violence victims

Date: Friday, September 6, 2019

Victims of domestic violence and other sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) require specially trained counsellors and support services to recover from the violence.

Nine Provinces Interested in Improving Services for Women Victims of Domestic Violence

Date: Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Solomon Islands’ services are prioritising the rights and wellbeing of women and girl victims of sexual and gender-based violence, including domestic violence.

Celebrating Partnerships for Gender Equality in the Marketplace

Date: Friday, August 23, 2019

Good news for market vendors and market goers in Gizo, Western Province, Solomon Islands: Today, the Australian Government is celebrating the grand official opening of the Gizo Market with the Western Provincial Government and the Gizo Market Vendors Association (GMVA).

Take five: “Addressing gender and protection issues in humanitarian action is lifesaving and planning and budgeting needs to reflect that”

Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Nimarta Khuman, a Gender and Protection Advisor, explains what it means to incorporate gender and protection in humanitarian action and why it’s important.