BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE
STUDENTS, church groups and ministerial groups within the Westside of central Bauro constituency in Makira province have kicked off their 16 days’ activism on Nov 25th.
This campaign also falls in line with the international 16-day activism against gender-based violence.
Makira province through its campaign themed “Herem vois belong mi – Stop violence against Women and Girls” aims to shed light on all forms of violence against women and girls through general awareness.
Guest of Honour and the Provincial Police Commander Peter Sitai told participants that gender-based violence is a worldwide problem including Solomon Islands.
At the same time, team leader of KiraKira Family Support centre Edna Sitai said the country is ranked the second highest in the Pacific for domestic violence. Sitai emphasized that the results are affected by traditional beliefs, individual inferiority, behavioural influences through interaction and situational factors from the family and society, victims, alcohol, and drugs.
Meanwhile, provincial Honourable member for Ward Nine, Hypolite Taramae stressed that the influence of inequality which lead to differences in responsibility, forms violence within the family.
The campaign although only a second since it started last year has participants realizing the significance of it in the rural areas.
The people there have also signed a pledge to fight and eliminate violence in their families and societies.
This 16 days’ activism program was facilitated by the KiraKira Family Support centre with help from stakeholders; Kirakira Police, Makira Council of Women, Makira Ulawa provincial Community governance and Community Policing.
