ISSN 2309-0510 Beneath Paradise

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 4 | JAN/AUG 2015

THE MAGAZINE OF THE PACIFIC WOMEN’S NETWORK AGAINST

Tonga shelves CEDAW signing as CEDAW country debates women’s rights

Jan-Aug 2015 SHELVEDBeneath Paradise 1 Beneath Paradise International Events

could respond in an appropriate way to survivors of violence. EDITORIAL “In order for participants to understand the unequal power relations between a man and a , an introduction to gender relations was presented where participants The fight continues did exercises on the expectations of a man and woman and gender division of labour and ur fourth issue of Beneath Paradise the difference between sex and gender,” Ms Ois finally out. Our last edition was Eileen said. out on October 2014. Since then She said accepting societal gender roles was the Centre had shelved producing a learned behaviour, which could be unlearnt so that there is equal distribution of work and publications because we did not have Lili, middle, with civil society reps from Maldives and Cambodia. Right: a UNDP publication on Civil participants understand and believe that both a Communications Officer to work Society Spaces and the Human Rights System. men and women can contribute equally in all areas of life. Shamima Ali on it. We sincerely apologise for the BANGKOK “Participants then looked at the dynamics, and myths surrounding the issues of domestic delay in our quarterly edition. After a lapse of two Workshop on civic space FWCC’s legal officer Lili Vuiyasawa attended a violence, rape/sexual assault, sexual harassment, issues, the Centre now presents an issue which UNDP roundtable discussion addressing civic child abuse, and the impacts of these issues covers a wide range of stories impacting women in space in South East Asia in August. The two- on women, their homes, communities and the nation as a whole. the Pacific. day event was held in Bangkok Thailand and included more than 70 invited UN and civil “At the end of the training, participants had In our cover story, we highlight the plight society experts, academics and government a sound understanding of gender equality, of women’s rights defenders struggling for the officials from countries across the South East violence against women and human rights. Participants were able to identify with the issues ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Asian region such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, China, discussed during the training and shared their Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Maldives, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, own experiences.” Women (CEDAW) in . Myanmar and Fiji. “On the whole, the training was very rewarding This issue also discusses the struggle of women “The event drew out the realities and challenges as participants came up with their action plans that they will continue to create awareness in in Vanuatu following the aftermaths of Tropical that civil society organisations have experienced in trying to address shrinking spaces of civic their own homes, villages and schools.” Cyclone Pam and how they pick the pieces to engagement in Asia,” said Vuiyasawa. Some of the participants at the training rebuild their lives. “Issues highlighted during the event were quite programme were graduates of the FWCC’s flagship Regional Training Programme. With a lot of policy changes taking place in similar all across the Asian region, and identified that essentially, the struggle between CSOs and the region in the past months, Vanuatu has finally governments existed at the national and sub- launched its national gender policy following an national level. agreement by the government’s Council of Ministers “This is as a result of growing legal restrictions, monitoring and regulations placed on civil in July. In the new policy, the Vanuatu government society organisations; rise of militarisation; recognises that gender equality is part of the restrictions to freedom of expression and fundamental right and duty enshrined in their ongoing censorship or self-censorship of the national Constitution. media; old hierarchical and centralised culture of authority facing forces of democracy; Apart from our regular features, we also countries under pressure for rapid economic highlight the lack of scholarships for women sports growth, and supremacy of state sovereignty and .... and call on governments to allocate adequate control over private and public spheres, both physical and digital. The RTP graduates who continue to work resources in national budgets towards women in “It was good to see that Fiji is part of a wider in Kiribati say they found it useful and are sports. community of civil society actors that are using the knowledge and skills gained to create awareness on violence against women We also encourage corporate organisations to experiencing similar challenges, and the and counselling women who are survivors of step up and support women sports. opportunity to share some key strategies and regional initiatives would help a great deal domestic violence and rape on Tarawa and on Finally, we are almost approaching the end of toward addressing the diminishing spaces for the outer islands of Kiribati. yet another year. civil society engagement.” The RTP has also helped with an increase in community awareness with pastors, mayors, In November, we will mark the 16 Days of KIRIBATI police and medical officers increasing their Activism. We will need your continued support for FWCC teams up with Kiribati ministries knowledge of how to respond to violence in the this important event. The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre completed community. RTP graduates say discussions on violence Before I end, please keep sending us your a successful collaboration with the Kiribati government to train its ministries and affiliates against women are being held more in churches stories and pictures for publication. The Fiji in June 2015. and other community settings. Women’s Crisis Centre have a very active Facebook The Kiribati Ministry of Women, Youth and and Twitter pages. Social Affairs invited the FWCC to train ON THE COVER You can follow us on Facebook: Fiji Women’s members of its SafeNet initiative. SafeNet is a group of organisations under the ministry’s Crisis Centre [FWCC] or on Twitter: Fiji Women - @ umbrella that advocate for women and the CommsFwcc. elimination of violence against women in CEDAW coalition From the FWCC and the Pacific Network Against Kiribati. members with The group consists of the Health and Education VAW, we wish you a prosperous and violence free Prime Minister and ministries, faith-based organisations, police and Minister for Internal year end. NGOs working in the area of violence against Affairs ‘Akilisi women. Pohiva. Beneath Paradise is the quarterly magazine of the FWCC’s regional administrator Wilma Eileen Pacific Women’s Network Against Violence Against Women, facilitated the training from 15-19 June, along published by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre as the Network’s with FWCC counsellor-advocate Shobna Devi. The training focused on how SafeNet members secretariat. The FWCC has published a newsletter for the Network since its founding in 1992. The Pacific Women’s Network Against Violence Against Women members women’s rights groups Published by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre with assistance from AusAID and agencies in Bougainville; ; Fiji; Federated States of ; Marshall . 88 Gordon St, PO Box 12882, Suva, Fiji ( (679) 3313 300 Islands; Kanaky; Kiribati; ; Papua New Guinea; Solomon Islands; Vanuatu; Tonga; . 7 (679) 3313 650 8 [email protected] n www.fijiwomen.com Send your Network News and photos to [email protected] n Printed by Quality Print Limited, Suva n ISSN: 2309-0510

2 Beneath Paradise Jan-Aug 2015 FOCUS Tonga’s struggle for CEDAW CEDAW Coaltion members at work

By Tonga Women And Children Crisis Centre FACT BOX:

ou can bet your bottom dollar that signatories of just over 13,000. However, these “On same-sex marriage however, there are everyone living in Tonga has heard signatories were not in support of CEDAW but only 15 countries in the world out of the 189 of CEDAW. What is CEDAW? It is rather petitioning against the government’s that have ratified CEDAW, that have legalized the acronym for the United Nations decision to ratify the UN Convention to eliminate Y it. And the passing of such laws in those Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of discrimination against women in Tonga. countries probably had less to do with CEDAW Discrimination Against Women. While it is not The backlash was mainly due to five key and more to do with the efforts of a powerful typical that ordinary citizens are aware of UN areas of concern predominantly raised by and resilient lobby for same-sex marriage.” Conventions that their leaders have ratified and church leaders, religious fundamentalists and - Publisher Kalafi Moala committed to, in the case of Tonga, CEDAW those in opposition to the current government has been the talk of the town ever since the and its leadership under Prime Minister ‘Akilisi government announced in March 2015 at the Pohiva. Commission on the Status of Women, that it The areas that concerned the Tongan public • That references to ‘the same right to enter was prepared to take appropriate steps to ratify included: marriage’ and ‘the same right to freely the UN Convention. • That CEDAW is a law and that it will be choose a spouse and enter marriage’ are To give you a better picture, eight petitions legalised once ratified; gateways to legalising same sex marriage were submitted to the King of Tonga and the • That references to the term ‘family in Tonga; Tongan Legislature with a combined number of planning services’ under articles 10(h), • That there is an alleged pot of funding 12(1), 14(2b) are gateways to legalising amounting to more than 20 million abortion in Tonga; dollars that the current government and FACT BOX: non-government organisations backing CEDAW ratification will have access to if the ratification process is successful. This The joint CSO statement to parliament highlighted the following reasons as to why they believe the government of Tonga should ratify CEDAW: alleged pot of funding was claimed to be • We stand with other governments around the world to put an end to all forms of discrimination from CEDAW and the UN; and against women no matter what country you live in; • That the current government’s process • We commit to upholding our promises to make Tongan a better country to live in for our to announce Tonga’s preparedness to women and to live in without fear of discrimination based on the fact that she is a ratify CEDAW at the 59th session of the or a woman - hence - Commission on the Status of Women • We put in place mechanisms, policies and laws to END all forms of discrimination against (CSW) in March was premature without women in Tonga just because she is a woman in the area of Education, Work, Sports, holding proper and thorough consultations Business, Rural Women, Politics, International Representation, Health, Marriage Life, among community leaders, church leaders Culture and attitudes and beliefs that discriminate against women and the public at large. • We face the REALITIES of all the social problems that women are most vulnerable to in Tonga and stop sweeping it under the carpet and getting our Government to be accountable These key areas of concern were addressed towards its decisions and actions (Pornography, Prostitution, all forms of Violence against by various organisations and individuals who, Women, Sexual Harassment in the workplace etc) despite the backlash, continued to raise • We want to ensure our daughters, granddaughters, great granddaughters that they do not awareness of CEDAW by providing key facts and have to migrate from Tonga to find better opportunities elsewhere - they can access them information to the public. all in Tonga 4Continued on Page 4

Jan-Aug 2015 Beneath Paradise 3 FOCUS

FACT BOX: The Women and Children Crisis Centre (WCCC) in Tonga has been challenging these The two-week CSW conference is held myths and misconceptions in the hope that annually to promote women’s rights and a better understanding is created among the shape global standards on gender equality wider public. and women’s empowerment. This year it “What we had to do was try and debunk celebrated the 20th anniversary of the the myths and misconceptions as soon as they historic Beijing Declaration and Platform arose,” said ‘Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki, Director of for Action. On March 9, representatives Cultural dance display during CEDAW protest in Tonga the WCCC. of UN member states, civil society “For example the two major concerns organisations and UN entities came arising from the church leaders were in together to celebrate the progress that government commencing this year just carried regards to same-sex marriage and abortion. has been made towards achieving gender on from the previous government the initiative As advocates of CEDAW ratification we had to equality and what still needs to be done. to make the announcement that it was ready provide information to the public that addressed The Beijing Declaration and Platform for to ratify after it had been endorsed by cabinet. these concerns. One of the first steps we took Action was adopted by 189 governments “So I can understand why so many people as an organisation was to develop a fact sheet in Beijing in 1995 at the Fourth World felt that the announcement that the government that addressed six key myths, for example, in Conference on Women and it is still the was ready to ratify came as a completely addressing the misconceptions around same- most progressive blueprint for advancing unexpected move by many, especially because sex marriage we indicated on the fact sheet women’s rights. It imagines a world where it was made by the new government,” said that CEDAW makes it clear that it is not aimed each woman and girl can exercise her Guttenbeil-Likiliki. at all sex-based discrimination, but only at freedoms and choices, and realise her Up to 12 civil society organisations agreed discrimination that is directed specifically rights, including to live free from violence, to submit a joint submission and statement against women. to go to school, to participate in decisions to parliament which was to be tabled for “A same-sex marriage claim would include and to earn equal pay for equal work. discussion in early September 2015. a charge that both men and women who want WCCC’s Director Guttenbeil-Likiliki to marry individuals of their own sex are being submitted the petition and joint statement to discriminated against. There is no provision in nationwide re-education on CEDAW and its the deputy clerk of the legislative assembly on the convention that would compel the Tongan purpose. The current opinions against CEDAW behalf of the CSOs. government to pass same-sex marriage laws in is still very strong, and as an organisation we Meanwhile, the Privy Council had released order to comply,” said ‘Ofa Guttenbeil-Likiliki, have had to re-prioritise some of our education a decision it had made upon advising the King Director of the WCCC. programmes to assist in any way we can in July that the decision of the cabinet to The WCCC noted that they also had to to undertake this re-education process in ratify CEDAW was not in accordance with the address fundamentalist perspectives that partnership with government and other non- Constitution, in particular clause 39, where discredited human rights conventions under the governmental orgnisations,” says Guttenbeil- only the King has powers to make treaties, and umbrella of the United Nations. Likliki. as a result has directed the cabinet minister to Guttenbeil-Likiliki stated that they also According to Guttenbeil-Likiliki, the annul Tonga’s signature or ratification. had to deal with accusations that the United government’s announcement that it was However that at the time the Privy Council’s Nations as the intergovernmental organisation prepared to ratify CEDAW at the March CSW decision was made public, that the government responsible for CEDAW is a representative was an initiative of the previous government of of Tonga had not completed its instrument of of the so-called anti-Christ and therefore, all Tonga to make a mark as the UN was getting ratification. agreements, treaties, declarations, conventions ready to celebrate at the following year’s CSW The Women and Children Crisis Centre and covenants that derive from the UN are the 20th anniversary of the historical Beijing in Tonga continues to raise awareness on satanic in nature and support non-Christian Platform for Action (BPA). CEDAW and works to debunk the myths and values and beliefs. “Unfortunately we had a change of misconceptions that are still predominant “What is clear from this entire saga government and within that transition the new among the wider public. pertaining to CEDAW is that there needs to be a

FACT BOX:

189 countries have ratified CEDAW. There are only seven countries left to ratify including two from the Pacific: and Tonga. It contains 30 articles with the first 16 being the substantive articles covering the definition of discrimination, health, education, work life, economic opportunities, political representation, public life, marriage life, rural women, human rights, nationality, temporary special measures, laws and policies to end discrimination, trafficking and prostitution and social cultural attitudes and behaviours. CEDAW protest march in Tonga Photo: Matangi Tonga

4 Beneath Paradise Jan-Aug 2015 4 WHAT LEADERS SAY... LEADERS Regional shame Solomon Islands iji’s Prime Minister Voreqe them more of a stake in our economy. To PM flags child Bainimarama reaffirmed hisenrich their lives and those of their families. government’s commitment to To enable them to reach their full potential. Faddressing the pandemic of violence And above all, to provide them with an abuse against during a high level environment free from intimidation and fear.” olomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh meeting hosted by the country in April . He said for too long, Fijian society - in Sogavare says there is an urgent need to During his address at the Pacific Women’s common with other Pacific societies – has end child abuse and economic exploitation. Parliamentary Partnership Forum at Lami’s turned a blind eye to what goes on in the S With the increase in domestic violence Novotel Hotel outside Suva, Mr Bainimarama privacy of people’s homes. said family violence in the Pacific was at “Worse, we’ve tolerated, even encouraged, cases in the Solomons, Sogavare said the crisis point and must be addressed as a a culture in which spouses or partners are recent Family Protection Act 2014 had made matter of urgency. entitled to use violence to resolve disputes or major inroads to addressing the problem, but “It is an issue of vital importance for bring supposedly errant family members into more legislation was needed. every society, every government. And it is line. The Prime Minister said his government a fundamental test of our values as Pacific “For too long, there was a saying in Fiji intends to pass the Child and Family Welfare people which, I am sad to say, we are failing,” that so-and-so ‘deserved a hiding’. But those Bill this year, according to a Radio New Zealand he said. days are over.” International report. Mr Bainimarama says tackling domestic Mr Bainimarama said in Fiji, the issue Sogavare said it will pair policy violence is at the core of the Government’s was a burning one after a string of incidents commitments with increasing its work with efforts to improve the position and status of in which women have been killed. families and communities to overcome the Fijian women generally. “In the latest, we lost one of Fiji’s best social acceptance of violence against children. Mr Bainimarama said the current level of and most respected journalists, Losana Meanwhile, during a recent United Nations violence “woefully, unacceptably high.” McGowan, in an alleged incident of domestic conference in Fiji, representatives from 14 “It is, in fact, cause for regional shame. violence that shocked not only those who Pacific countries gathered to discuss solutions And we must all do a lot more to stop it. knew her but the entire nation. to the high levels of violence against children “The Government I lead takes this “Yet these killings are merely the most in the region. issue extremely seriously. Tackling domestic obvious manifestations of a culture that The Special Representative to the United violence is at the core of our efforts to we know extends across the Pacific of men Nations Secretary-General on Violence against improve the position and status of Fijian resorting to violence against women in Children, Marta Santos Pais said the high levels women generally. To empower them. To give domestic confrontations.” of violence against children could be prevented. Samoan women’s plight highlighted in first human rights report

amoa’s government launched its first work by the Ombudsman, Maiava number of recommendations Ombudsman’s report on the state of Iulai Toma and his team at NHRI. made to relevant government Shuman rights in August 2015. The report explores the Fa’asamoa ministries and agencies in Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi (Samoan Way) principles of order to better strengthen highlighted the widespread physical and sexual equality, respect and protection, human rights protections for abuse of women and children, saying this was which complement basic human the people of Samoa. “As unacceptable. rights in international law, and Samoa continues to develop The report was prepared by the Office of the relationship between these and prosper, more needs to the Ombudsman in its role as Samoa’s National principles and the bigger issues be done to ensure quality Human Rights Institution (NHRI). which form the basis of the report, health care is available and “In a society which holds such strong namely, the equality, respect accessible for all ,” Samoan Ombudsman Maiava Iulai community and family values, it is not and protection of vulnerable Toma Tuilaepa said. acceptable that we continue to see women populations; all aspects of health; “This includes taking and children physically and sexually abused,” environmental health; and religious and action to address the more sensitive and taboo Tuilaepa was quoted as saying in the Samoa economic freedoms. topics of preventing STIs (sexually transmitted Observer. The main focus of the report is the need for infections) and family health and planning. Women and children, the Prime Minister better safeguards for equality and respect for “Improving health outcomes must also said, were often victims of violence at the hands women, children, people with disabilities and be addressed through improved water and of loved ones. He added this abuse includes prisoners. The research and outreach conducted sanitation for both urban and rural areas. And to children who labour on the streets. by NHRI show these groups were the most ensure continued development and prosperity, “(The) children, Samoa’s future and the vulnerable in Samoan society and the most in Samoa must be protected from the impacts of guardians of family legacies, continue to labour need of stronger human rights protections. climate change as a fundamental human rights in the streets; and that persons with disabilities The report concludes with a discussion issue. In these ways the Samoan community are still denied equal participation in many of the emerging issues of mental health and can be strengthened, the rights of all protected, areas of society,” the Prime Minister said. freedom of speech. and sustainable livelihoods ensured.” The launch of the report follows months of Also contained within the report are a SOURCE: Samoa Observer

Jan-Aug 2015 Beneath Paradise 5 VANUATU Vanuatu Counting the cost of Cyclone Pam on women’s livelihoods

Women and children are usually disproportionately launches affected during and after natural disasters. When Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu in March 2015, an gender estimated 100,000 people were left without homes policy or belongings. JUDITH’S STORY... and now that the cyclone has caused more anuatu has launched a new National destruction, she felt more stressed. A week and a half after the cyclone, Judith Gender Equality Policy following an he following is the story of a woman returned to work, she still lives in the small agreement by the government’s Council we’ll call Judith and her experience of shelter she had built and is slowly managing of Ministers in July 2015. surviving Cyclone Pam along with her two V T with the help of her family in providing food A Vanuatu government report says the daughters. given by the National Disaster Management Ministry of Justice and Community Services It was a Monday, two days after Cyclone Office. through the Department of Women’s Affairs will Pam had hit Vanuatu. Judith walked to the Source: Vanuatu Women’s Centre documentation coordinate the implementation of the policy. Magistrates Court where she reported her In the new policy, the Vanuatu government husband for not helping her during the cyclone. recognises that gender equality is part of the With two daughters and a child fundamental right and duty enshrined in the maintenance case against her partner, Judith National Constitution of Vanuatu. was afraid for her children and knew that her “Chapter 2, Part 1 of the Constitution house would not withstand the destructive recognises the rights and freedoms of all winds that were approaching. individuals without discrimination on the She called her husband many times to grounds of sex, race, place of origin, religious ask for his help in securing their house, but or traditional beliefs, political opinions or her calls were never answered. Picture source: Oxfam New Zealand language,” the report stated. Judith worked and with what she earned she bought plywood for the windows and threw bags of sand on her roof to hold it down. The policy statement for the But when the cyclone came, her fragile house was blown away in the powerful winds. “National Gender Policy of the Judith and her two daughters ran to her Government of Vanuatu will neighbour’s house but their corrugated iron exercise leadership to achieve roofing was also peeled away by the wind. gender equality and take proactive They held roofing iron and

steps to embed gender equality into plywood over themselves as they huddled together waiting for the its legislation, policies, programs, “ wind to pass. organisational structures and In the morning, Judith’s clothes operational procedures. and belongings were wet and blown everywhere. She gathered what she could find and made a small shelter “Gender equality and women’s with her neighbour’s help. empowerment are also critical to the Judith tried to call her partner achievement of national development vision: a over the weekend to tell him of their situation and that they needed his help just, educated, healthy and wealthy Vanuatu.” but he could not be reached. The first national policy affirms the Vanuatu When she was told that the government’s commitment towards gender Magistrate Court was closed that week equality across all sectors and at all levels of for repair and would open the following society and the elimination of discrimination week, she felt depressed although and violence against women and girls. Judith was working she could not afford “The policy builds on previous national to pay for new iron roofing and clothes policy initiatives and is informed by extensive for her daughters. She was worried about background research and consultation,” the food and how her daughters would go to government statement said. school. “The journey to achieving gender equality Her partner had not been paying and women’s empowerment will not be easy – a for child maintenance for many months major shift is needed in societal attitudes and behaviour towards women.”

6 Beneath Paradise Jan-Aug 2015 VANUATU Counting the cost of Cyclone Pam on women’s livelihoods

Picture source: UNDP Picture source: UNDP

BETTY’S STORY... their village and had them walk in the rain to in a crowded room was not easy as children Saint Joseph. cried around her and people walked in and out The children were wet and shivering but of the room at night. etty arrived at Saint Joseph evacuation their parents pushed them on. Young children Cooking was hard because they sat in the centre at Second Lagoon, in the early were carried on their parents’ back. They came open air outside the classroom and the wind hours of Saturday 14 March after Cyclone B to the Teouma River which had widened and kept blowing out the fire so the food took longer Pam had passed Efate. flowed faster than usual. to cook. She and her husband prepared their home The men had to carry the children across Betty worries about returning to her village, to shelter her community as their village was and then help women walk across the river. her husband is slowly putting up corrugated the last in the Teouma Bush area, much further When everyone had crossed safely, they iron and plywood to make a house but she is from the road and other villages. They divided continued walking until they came to the main afraid it won’t be the same. their corrugated iron house into six rooms and road where some families who had a little Betty worries about the food her children moved in families before the arrival of the money got on a service bus and went to Vila eat and misses her garden. Her garden has cyclone. North School for shelter. always provided healthy island food and had During the cyclone, Betty prayed in her Betty and her family continued to walk with been her source of income. heart that angels would keep their roof from many others until they arrived at Saint Joseph. She worries that her children will not be being blown away so the families could be safe Betty said she felt sorry for the children who able to return to school, that there will be no from the cyclone. But as hard as she prayed, were exhausted and cold. Men and women water to drink, and damp leaves will make the the strength of the cyclone increased. were too tired that they fell asleep in whatever place stink. One by one the cyclone blew away the roof space they could find, too tired to care about She also worries that she will not have her over each room and Betty had to move the the wet clothes they wore. kitchen utensils and will have to build a new women and children until they were in the last On Sunday morning, Betty and her husband toilet and shower room. room. walked home. She gathered some wet clothes Betty is grateful for the food and tarpaulin She hid them under tables and her that were lying on the ground and washed them provided by Save the Children and grateful to husband, with the help of the other men, at the shelter with soap provided by Save the the school for sheltering them but is worried gathered corrugated iron and plywood to cover Children. that on returning home, she and her family will the women and children. At the shelter, Betty had to share pots, start again from nothing. At around 3am when the cyclone had plates, spoons and cups with other families. passed, Betty and her husband gathered up The toilets did not work properly and sleeping Source: Vanuatu Women’s Centre documentation

Picture source: Tom Perry/CARE Picture source: UNICEF East Asia Pacific

Jan-Aug 2015 Beneath Paradise 7 REGION FSM, Marshall Islands develop policies on gender equality he Federated States of Micronesia and Health and Social Affairs with the support of said the Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Marshall Islands have embarked into SPC have taken place in early July 2015 with Health and Social Affairs. Tthe process of developing an overarching a range of stakeholders from government and “Adopting a dynamic policy specifically national policy to move gender equality civil society of the four states of FSM to discuss focusing on reducing inequalities between men forward. some of the main issues negatively affecting and women will help mobilise and coordinate Efforts have been made in the past few the status of women in the archipelago. efforts from different actors at various levels years to ensure equal access to education and The workshop also offered an opportunity and ultimately lead individual men and women health care services and to improve public to introduce participants to gender statistics, to living healthier and more fulfilling lives,” infrastructure and services, with significant gender analysis and gender mainstreaming explained Eleanor Mori, Gender Development impact on the quality of life of women and approach. and Human Rights Officer. men in all states. “We need to work together to make sure Similar efforts are seen in Majuro, However, challenges remain to ensure that our daughters and sons, and grand children women and girls are safe from violence, can fulfil their aspirations, be protected from Republic of Marshall Islands, where following can play leadership roles and fully access all forms of violence and discrimination, can the endorsement of the National Gender Policy economic opportunities. Progress is being actively take part in decisions that shape the in February 2015, consultations took place in made with the support of vibrant women’s society they live in, can work and generate June to develop the policy’s implementation organisations across all States. incomes to fulfil their family’s needs, and be plan. Consultations facilitated by the Ministry of happy to live on their island as Micronesian,” The Micronesian senator advocating for women’s participation in public life Micronesian senator says women belong “I’ve always said, we need in all spheres of life from the home to more women to run in the up- Aparliament. coming elections. Some of us are Senator Magdalena Walter was one of the very quick in judging ourselves, speakers during a Women’s Conference in saying we’re not good enough and Pohnpei. senate or parliament is just good Speaking to more than 250 women from enough for the men because they four different states of Micronesia, Senator are used to making the decisions. Walter said it was time for change and women “That’s not true. Let me tell must understand their right to do whatever they you something: it has been proven Senator Magdalena Walter wanted without feeling restricted by their past that women have a far more traditions and culture. success rate in business then men I must say who have come forward to join this “You have to start now. The theme for do. That’s a fact. And it’s not hard to believe fight but for generations, it has been us women this conference is ‘maintaining our culture to because women have been doing this all their who have been braving this fight which is why inspire change’. If we don’t move to inspire that lives. Women manage homes. They manage I say, it’s time to take it to the next level. We change, nothing will happen,” Walter told the the welfare of the family. They manage their need to be at the top level, making decisions conference. children, the groceries, their husbands,” she for our people.” “Despite your beliefs and what you think, said. Senator Walter paid tribute to her family and I want to tell you today that women can make She also challenged women to step up and especially her husband for supporting her when a difference and we need to be there for our show what they’re made of, encouraging them she said she wanted to become a politician. economy and the prosperity of our country,” she with research statistics and past findings. She said the culture in FSM and around the said. “Another fact is that corruption has been Pacific has always seen women as housewives “Research has found that a majority of high found to be more where there are no women who are meant to look after the family and in school dropouts in Pohnpei are young girls. involved. This is not because we’re better than some places, women aren’t allowed to speak at Parents, we must change this trend. men, it’s just because for us women, it’s in our village meetings. you need to stand up to your husbands and tell nature to talk things out. “I was fortunate to have a very supportive them how important it is for your daughters to “Another fact is that while men tend to look husband. To all the men out there, I urge you get an education. out to other countries for resources and other to support your wives. Let them go if they want “You need to invest in your children. Inform things, women tend to look closer to home. So to attend meetings or if they want to pursue a your daughters of what they can achieve. The I encourage all of you to stand up and together dream. time for women to be slaving in the kitchen is we can make the change. Reach out to other “And to all the women out there who are over. I’m not saying you have to totally ignore women who want to make a change, we’re all in thinking of running in the next elections, I your families. On the contrary, you need to build this together and when our time to rest comes, congratulate you and I leave you with this your families and your husbands need to pitch don’t take your knowledge with you, pass it on message. In order to succeed and become in,” she added. to the next generation. a good politician, you need five values and Senator Walter went on to outline some of “We are the ones that fight for true they are, fairness, respect, honesty, trust and the reasons why women are a critical part of democracy, for good governance and for gender accountability. With these, you can never go society and would make great leaders. equality. There are some men out there, very few wrong.”

8 Beneath Paradise Jan-Aug 2015 REGION

FWCC sponsored schools representing Tonga (St Vincent College) and Samoa (Jasper Williams High School) FWCC supports

school girls’ rugby Team Tonga

he Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre partnered with long-term goals, work together as a team, and step up and support women’s sport. the Fiji Rugby Union in August to sponsor how to overcome failure.” “We also urge governments to allocate Ta secondary schools rugby tournament for The Centre sponsored Jasper Williams High adequate resources in national budgets towards girls. School representing Samoa and St Vincent women in sports.” FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali said College representing Tonga. Ms Ali said the event also provided a the Centre encourages women and girls’ “We chose to sponsor Samoa and Tonga to platform for the Centre to raise awareness participation in sports so they become leaders signify our role in the Pacific,” she said. on violence against women and girls and an in the sporting arena. Ali also highlighted the lack of sponsorship opportunity to develop young advocates for “Sponsorships like this promote an for women’s sport was an issue. the elimination of violence against women and enabling environment for women to participate “We encourage corporate organisations to girls. in sports. Women are often marginalised and neglected when it comes to sports, particularly male-dominated ones,” Ali said. She said more positive representations of Training for SPC staff after death of colleague women in sports will encourage more young ith the horrific death of Fijian staff members at the division were affected women and girls to not only stay active, but to communications officer and former following Losana’s death. obtain leadership positions in the future. Wjournalist Losana McGowan allegedly “We were really affected and staff “Sports teach young girls the value of at the hands of her partner in April, staff members recognised that certain issues perseverance, how to set and reach short- and members from her workplace believe signs of relating to domestic violence need to be domestic violence need to be recognised. discussed,” Casella said. More than 30 staff members from the She said it is important for managers in Secretariat of the ’s workplaces to be able to recognise the signs Geoscience Division took part in a workshop of domestic violence. on domestic violence awareness and gender “Managers/heads need to know how to relations facilitated by the Fiji Women’s Crisis approach issues of domestic violence and Centre in Suva. deal with it. So these kind of trainings are FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali said the important.” training followed a request from SPC and is Casella said such workshops help educate part of the Centre’s ongoing awareness with staff members and empower them to know other agencies and stakeholders. what to do when a colleague is in a domestic “It is to increase and develop a better violence situation. understanding of domestic violence and She said SPC is currently in the process issues relating to it, examine gender power of revising its domestic violence policy to relations and its link to domestic violence and make it more visible and usable by staff. to develop skills for appropriate responses to Casella said SPC was looking in to domestic violence,” Ms Ali said. organising a series of similar training SPCs Adviser Climate Change and workshops. McGowan was a former staff of Disaster Risk Management Policy at the the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and the Fiji Geoscience Division, Cristina Casella said Women’s Rights Movement.

Jan-Aug 2015 Beneath Paradise 9 REGION ‘Long-term aid needed’ for violence Tonga’s crisis centre survivors in Fiji sees hundreds of cases he Tonga Women and Children Crisis iji Women’s Crisis Centre Coordinator FWCC also found 31 percent of women and Centre has assisted more than 1800 Shamima Ali says while government girls had experienced physical or sexual assault women and children since it was set up has a children’s helpline managed by a since they were 15 years old, by someone other T F in 2009. children’s NGO, the concern is who is at the than their husbands or partners. The Nuku’alofa-based centre has end of the line. The most prevalent form of sexual violence recorded some dramatic cases of domestic Ms Ali said Fiji needs improvement in its is child sexual abuse, with 16 per cent of violence, including incidents of child abuse long-term services for survivors of child sexual women in Fiji having been sexually abused abuse and violence. while they were under 15 years of age. during that time. She said it was important that those at the In early 2015, FWCC also supplied statistics The Centre’s Director, ‘Ofa Guttenbeil- end of the helpline know what to do when they to the media showing one in four women in Fiji Likiliki, told the Matangi Tonga news website receive a call from a child and act immediately. had been raped. the country was not an exception to the “The government has got a children’s Future plans global problems of family violence. helpline which is managed by an NGO, and they But Ali said the centre was planning to “Reports of violence against women and are getting a lot of calls. But our concern is who organise workshops with service providers and children in Tonga are increasing. Between is at the end of the line,” Ali told Pacific Scoop. invite expertise from overseas to help improve 2000 and 2013, the Tongan Police have “When a child says, ‘I have been sexually these services. received more than 5000 reported cases abused’, you can’t just talk to the child for two The centre is also in the process of of domestic violence with the majority minutes, it is an ongoing thing. So although it purchasing property for the establishment of of victims being women and children,” is good to see how many calls one is getting you three shelters for those who have suffered from Guttenbeil-Likiliki said. have to have people of expertise on the line,” sexual abuse and violence. She said between 2009 and 2014, Ali said. Ali said one of the shelters would be the Centre had assisted more than 1800 She told Pacific Scoop the concern was specifically concentrated on providing an exit women and children through its counselling what could be done to help and keep the person strategy for young girls who had been sexually advocacy and support services and temporary safe after the abuse was reported. abused. safe housing. Lacking resources “Why are they put back in their homes “The WCCC was pioneered by a group of “Implementation, resources and training if that’s where the abuse is happening?” she women and some male advocate supporters people, that’s where we seem to be failing,” asked. who were determined to develop an NGO said Ali. “There are instances where once a child “We also do not have child psychologists. is known to be sexually abused, particularly that is efficient and professional in its For some people the abuse has been going on a female, she is not welcomed back into the deliverance of quality support services to for a long time so they need psychological care. home because there is a stigma. women and children survivors of violence That again is something that is lacking.” “Sometimes these girls are then put into throughout Tonga.” “One of the reasons we have very damaged government-funded homes but they are often The Mo’ui Ke Fiefia Safe House adults is because they have suffered child run by religious organisations, which I believe provides a 24-hour temporary safe house abuse at a very young age and there haven’t is not the most appropriate protocol for many accommodation to women and children who been reflective services that could have enabled reasons.” Ali said the shelters would provide are victims of violence. them to move on in life as a wholesome appropriate counselling as well as supporting She said the Centre’s work was informed individual.” continued education for young girls. by the experiences of their clients. Statistics of violence ‘Continued education’ Guttenbeil-Likiliki said the most Statistics from the FWCC’s major report “We are trying to raise funds for continued dramatic cases were incidents of child abuse ‘Somebody’s Life Everybody’s Business’, shows education. and incidents where women were kept in Fiji’s level of violence against women and girls “At 17 years old, when they come of age, severe isolation by their partners. we want them to continue [education] so they rates among some of the highest in the world. “Male family members over a long The report was based on a survey exploring don’t end up on the streets, or are then open to period of time rape young girls as young as the prevalence, incidence, and attitudes to all other kinds of exploitation, or sent back to five years of age right up to 17 years of age. intimate partner violence in Fiji from 2010 to abusive homes. The ones (aged) five to 13 are the hardest to 2011. “We’ve had suicides of girls that are sent deal with.” It showed 64 percent of women in Fiji back to abusive homes where the abuser still who had been in an intimate relationship had remains. So this exit strategy will help them She explained that other cases involved experienced physical or sexual abuse by their provide for themselves,” said Ali. isolation “where women are living in harsh partner or husband. Source: TJ Aumua/Pacific Scoop coercive control situations, where she is isolated from her family and not allowed to go anywhere or talk to anyone without the consent of her husband or partner, Training on women’s human rights for chiefs and nobody has any idea because it’s not anuatu Women’s Centre organised a training accessible and live in the community. physical violence, which is more obvious.” Vworkshop for chiefs from north Tanna living in The chiefs often deal with domestic Some clients at the centre had revealed Vila in March 2015. violence cases in their communities and wanted their personal accounts of domestic violence This followed a request from the chiefs to learn how they could deal with them more and mistreatment. to learn about the issues of violence against appropriately and how they could link up with “One woman at the centre described women, domestic violence and the Family the VWC and the police. how she suffered beatings from her former Protection Act. The training was arranged with VWC male husband. The woman said that her ex- With chiefs held in high regard on Tanna, advocate for women’s human rights, Iaken many women still choose to go to their chiefs Ampen, who works at the Police College in Port husband attacked her even after they had with their issues because the chiefs are Vila. already divorced and separated.”

10 Beneath Paradise Jan-Aug 2015 REGION Aussie politicians visit Vanuatu Women’s Centre USTRALIAN Members of Parliament Laurie Ferguson, Jane Prentice and Senator Janet ARice visited the Vanuatu and Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre in March and July respectively. PNG prosecutors get survivors training The delegation visited Vanuatu to see the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Pam, which hit the WCC’s Farzana Gulista and Vanuatu Inclusion Programme, a Seventh-Day Adventist country on 13 March 2015. Women’s Centre’s Merilyn Tahi facilitated pastor and participants from Oro Province who Tanna was one of the worst-affected islands Fan eight-day workshop for victim liaison work in a women’s refuge. in the archipelago. The delegation visited the officers (VLOs) in Papua New Guinea’s Office of The training was aimed at supporting VWC branch briefly and also met with VWC Public Prosecutions in June 2015. efforts to strengthen services addressing family Coordinator Merilyn Tahi. It was funded by the PNG-Australia Law and sexual violence within the Law and Justice Tahi briefed the visitors on the work being and Justice Partnership Transition Programme sector and to support the Office of Public done by VWC on Tanna and in the southern for the Office of Public Prosecutions. Prosecutors, VLOs and to provide better support province of Tafea. VLOs are critical people in the protection of to survivors. The delegation expressed their appreciation survivors of violence as they attempt to access At the end of the training the VLOs reported for the work being done on Tanna and said they justice. Apart from VLOs, participants included they could better manage survivors and make were happy that Australia supported such work those from the Royal Police Constabulary of better and effective impact statement without in Vanuatu. PNG, from the Family and Sexual Offences being judgmental or undermining the survivor’s The delegation visited the Fiji Women’s Unit, members from Gender Equity and Social experience. Crisis Centre on 29 July to learn more about the Centre’s work and programs on eliminating violence against women in Fiji and the Pacific. Forum leaders urged to prioritise West Papua The delegates, who were taken through a brief background of FWCC’s programs, research, roups around the Pacific and the world Forum to advance the gains made at the partnerships with FBOs (House of Serah) and lobbying for freedom of West Papua recent Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) sports (Redrock Rugby Club), were on an Gfrom Indonesian control, have focussed Leaders’ Summit in Honiara in July, where the exchange program with the Fiji Parliament. attention on the human rights atrocities being historic decision was made to grant the United Speaking to them, FWCC Coordinator carried out in the Melanesian country. Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Shamima Ali highlighted appreciation for An important step for West Papua was the Observer status in the MSG. the continued support given by Australia in historic decision in July by the Melanesian In its letter, the group stated that eliminating violence against women and girls. Spearhead Group (MSG) to grant observer international and Indonesian human rights The Senators acknowledged the Centre’s status to the United Liberation Movement for groups have regularly documented violence work and assured their full support. West Papua (ULMWP). The ULMWP is umbrella in West Papua, including the extensive use of body representing the majority of the groups intimidation, torture, sexual violence, beatings struggling for West Papuan freedom. and killings by the security forces. However, while the ULMWP was granted The United States State Department 2014 observer status, Indonesia was granted Human Rights report on Indonesia exposes and associate membership, with Papua New Guinea support, much to the dismay of West Papuan condemns gross and persistent human rights and human rights activists. violations by the Indonesian authorities in West Following the actions of the MSG to Papua. legitimise Indonesian claims over West Papua, “Throughout last year, there were harsh the Auckland-based West Papua Action has crackdowns on numerous peaceful rallies. All written to the Pacific Islands Forum to prioritise sectors of society in West Papua including human rights issues at its 46th meeting to be lawyers, human rights defenders, activists, held in Papua New Guinea in September 2015. clergy and journalists faced regular intimidation Australian Members of Parliament at the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre The group in its letter has urged the or the threat of arrest,” the letter stated.

embers of the Pacific Women’s Network MAgainst Violence Women facilitated a PNG male advocates trained male advocacy workshop on women’s human rights in PNG in July. Sepik FSVAC and Safe Haus, and Wallis Highlands region were invited from Chimbu, The workshop was co-facilitated by Isi Yakam, executive director of Consultative Western Highlands, Enga, Eastern Highlands, Oru of Family and Sexual Violence Action Implementation Monitoring Council who Morobe, East Sepik and Madang province. This Committee (FSVAC) and male advocate for officiated at the closing of the workshop. workshop particularly focused on developing women’s human rights, Melkie Anton. The weeklong male advocacy workshop the appropriate guideline and training content Women leaders who also attended included had two specific objectives: to develop a that is useful and relevant to the Papua New Ume Wainetti, national coordinator of Family community male advocacy guideline and to Guinea context. and Sexual Violence Action Committee, Mary identify and develop the training contents for The workshop was attended by the FSVAC Kaman, president of the Madang Council of the male advocacy material. To achieve these provincial network partners from the Momase Women, Sophie Mangai, coordinator of East objectives, participants from the Momase and region.

Jan-Aug 2015 Beneath Paradise 11 PROFILES FIJI WOMEN’S CRISIS CENTRE

APPLICATION FORM FOR THE " Women on the move REGIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMME APPLICANT’S NAME: ...... HOME ADDRESS: ...... PHONE: ...... FAX: ...... POSTAL ADDRESS: ...... EMAIL: ...... SKYPE: ......

TYPE OF TRAINING DESIRED:...... PTRAINING BY ATTACHMENT PSHORT COURSE (4 weeks): (3 weeks): SENDING ORGANISATION : ...... POSTAL ADDRESS: ...... Newly-appointed Samoa Supreme Court judge Mata Tuatagalaoa. Photo: Government of Samoa PHONE: ...... FAX: ...... Name: Mata Tuatagaloa APPLICANT’S POSITION IN ORGANISATION:...... Position: Samoa’s first female judge of the Supreme Court ...... Work history: Ms Tuatagaloa was appointed as permanent ENDORSED BY: judge of the District court four years ago after serving as a 1. Name: ...... prominent lawyer for many years. She was sworn in before 2. Position: ...... the head of state last month. 1. Name: ...... 2. Position: ...... SPONSORING ORGANISATION: ...... CONTACT PERSON: ...... ADDRESS: ...... PHONE: ...... FAX: ...... List any requirements of trainee regarding health, diet, language, etc in an attachment to this application. Also *attach a one-page summary with more details of the applicant’s work and interest in working on violence against women, and include a brief statement of your position on women’s rights. Maryann Lameko- Vaai Photo: Samoan Observer

Name: Maryann Lameko- Vaai Subscribe to BENEATH PARADISE Position: Newly appointed General Manager for Bank South 4 issues 8 issues 12 issues " Pacific Samoa (1 year) (2 years) (3 years) Work history: Ms Lameko-Vaai is a charted accountant Payment details: I enclose my bank draft for and auditor by profession. Her interest has always been $ ...... made payable to FWCC. in accounting, finance and investment. She was hired by NAME: ...... Westpac in 2012 and worked for three years before its MAILING ADDRESS: ...... takeover by BSP...... Prior to moving to the bank, Ms Lameko-Vaai spent 12 This subscription form is only for subscribers outside years with a Samoan computer company called Computer the Pacific region and includes postage and handling. Services Limited. COST: US$30.00 per year POST TO: Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, PO Box 12882, Suva, Fiji _ Send your creative expressions to [email protected] EMAIL: [email protected]

12 Beneath Paradise Jan-Aug 2015