7 Dec 2015

Fiji Girl Guides launches Voices against Violence badge

3:56 pm on 7 December 2015

The Fiji Girl Guides are the first in the Pacific to launch the Voices against Violence badge.

The curriculum for the badge was developed by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and UN Women.

Girl Guides is based in schools in Fiji, and nine primary schools and 150 girls have so far taken part.

The Fiji Girl Guides Deputy Commissioner, Sophia Waqanidrola, says the badge teaches girls to recognise what gender-based violence is and to speak up.

"In most of the violence cases, there is inequality, they have to be aware of the violence that they may experience in the home. It's mostly to create an awareness for them and teaching them on what to do."

Mrs Waqanidrola says parents have applauded the programme and it is changing perceptions of what guiding can do.

Next year the project will be rolled out to 100 primary schools in Fiji.

fiji flag at parliament

Photo: RNZI/ Sally Round