This week on Valentine’s Day, people all over the world marched to bring an end to violence against girls and women. In Fiji, One Billion Rising Pacific marched for the government to acknowledge and prioritise the issue as a 4 year old girl becomes the latest victim of rape.
Organisations like Homes of Hope South Pacific are committed to creating a culture where women are children are free from the stigma and cycles of forced sex.
A Girl & her world is committed to empowering girls through education both at their own schools and through sexual health promotion in their communities, so they are less vulnerable to sexual exploitation and abuse. We also want to be part of changing culture so girls and women are valued and men empower their sons, brothers and peers to end the violence.
The issue of sexual violence and exploitation is certainly not limited to the South Pacific but you have to raise your voice where you have influence and speak up for those who do not have their own.
We all have the power to create and change culture, it starts with our own families and circles, then extends to those we connect with through social media and our place of work or study. We are actually creating culture every day with our words and actions whether it’s intentional or not.
Imagine how things could change if we each lived on purpose, knowing what we stand for.
What do you stand for?
Jane for team ‘a Girl & her world