Another Way

Elimination of Violence Against Women Youth Project

In Fiji, a growing number of women have been struggling with the issue of violence. As reported by Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (Website: 8 Mar 2006), police statistics show reported cases of sexual offences have increased substantially when comparing the periods January to June 2004 and 2005. Rape and attempted rape increased by 70%, indecent assault by 58% and defilement of girls between 13 and 16 increased by 85%. Marital rape and family member violence against women also remains largely unreported with women having fewer options when escaping a violent situation.

Project Summary:

The current IWDA supported project with Women’s Action for Change uses theatre as a way to change the attitudes and behaviours of young male adults towards young women. The play, entitled ‘Another Way’ focuses on community issues affecting young women including sexual harassment, bullying in schools, sexual and physical abuse and sexist attitudes.

The play will be performed at 10 secondary schools in Nausori and 10 communities in Lautoka. Following the performance the play back method will be used to engage with the audience points raised in the play, inviting young women and men to discuss with each other how they would respond to such issues.

The project also involves working with a small network of young women and men on promoting non-violent problem solving methods to deal with conflict and develop leadership skills.

Project Objectives:

• To enable young women and men to understand individual and community obligations
• To teach young women and men negotiation skills using restorative justice concepts to prevent violent conflict with adults and their peers.
• To change the attitudes and behaviours of young men and women around gender issues including violence against women and women’s rights.
• To provide safe and secure forums for young women to discuss and identify solutions around problems within their communities around violence against women and women’s rights
• Establish networks between young women which will act as a support network

This project has finished.

Tags: Fiji, VAW, WAC, youth

This entry was posted on Monday, May 1st, 2006 under Fiji.