Fiji Women's Crisis Centre Goes Online

SUVA (Pacnews) -- The Fiji Women Crisis Centre (FWCC) has launched itself into cyberspace, claiming it is the first such initiative for women in the Pacific, reports Pacnews.

The website (http://www.fijiwomen.com) was launched in the capital, Suva

today by University of the South Pacific (USP) academic and prominent human rights activist, Professor Vijay Naidu.

"This is a major step forward for the Women's Crisis Centre. For over two decades now, the Centre has been at the forefront of providing a place of refuge not only for Fiji women but also women in the Pacific region. The Centre, led by Shamima Ali, its co-ordinator, has been able to highlight violence against women and advocated for women's rights," Professor Naidu said.

"Now that women's issues are going to be highlighted on cyberspace, women would be able to communicate their message directly and not rely on intermediaries."

Shamima Ali said: "We hope the new website would help our advocacy work on women and children's rights and violence against women. It would also be used as a lobbying tool for Fiji and other regional governments."

Ali said the web site, which she claims is the first locally produced women's website in the Pacific, will heighten global recognition of issues of Pacific Women and the work of the Crisis Centre. The website features information on activities of the FWCC and member countries of the Pacific Women's Network Against Violence, as well as general information on issues that are facing women not only in the Pacific but around the world.

FCWW has [partner] centres in Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. The new web site also has an online counselling service. Today's launch is part of the activities organised by the Women's Crisis Centre in the lead up to International Women's Day to be celebrated around the globe on March 8....PNS (ENDS)

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