GIRLS Write for International Day of the GIRL Child

GIRLS Write for International Day of the GIRL Child

11 October, 2018

Sexual violence, gender discrimination and bullying are issues that girls between the ages of 10-12 years have highlighted through their letters as part of a series of workshops organised by the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement.

The workshops for members of the Grow Inspire Relate Lead Succeed (GIRLS) Theatre programme were a build up to the International Day of the Girl Child, which is celebrated annually on October 11.

FWRM Executive Director Nalini Singh said it is important to empower girls through education and learning opportunities in and out of school, to enable them to share their stories and perspectives.

“The International Day of the Girl Child is a reminder that we need to listen to girls’ stories and ideas. They understand their issues the best and have unique experiences that could inform us of the challenges they face daily,” she said.

Participants of the GIRLS programme were encouraged to use writing as a platform for advocacy under the theme, “Write my story” and given the opportunity to learn different writing styles which was in line with the international theme, ‘With Her: A Skilled Workforce, ‘to empower girls through education and providing new learning opportunities.

FWRM’s GIRLS Programme Officer, Lillian Delana said the workshops also contributed towards building up the girls’ confidence and self-esteem through their abilities to clearly articulate their concerns and solutions.

“New skills have a large impact on a young girl’s self-esteem as she realises her own potential and abilities and is empowered by her new found knowledge. It encourages young girls to speak out and state her opinion on issues close to her heart,” Ms Delana said.

Through these workshops, the GIRLS also had an opportunity to work with Reproductive & Family Health Association of Fiji (RFHAF) and discuss issues around sexual reproductive health and rights.

RFHAF’s Executive Director, Matelita Seva-Cadravula said there were many levels of discrimination that girls and young women face that exploit their vulnerabilities.

“As such, RFHAF is committed to empower girls by supporting them to be confident in their identities as well as enabling them to be in charge of their lives. RFHAF works, towards empowering girls to have a happy, healthy sexuality and the realisation of their full potential,” she said.

The participants of the GIRLS Programme also recently attended a camp organised by RHAF in Wainadoi focusing on building social, health, and economic assets in a safe and fun learning environment.

The GIRLS Programme is supported by the Australian Government.

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