The fairer sex claims reclaim the night
Thursday, March 09, 2006
ABOUT 500 men and women marched the streets of Suva last night to mark International Women's Day.
The annual 'Reclaim the Night' march was organised by the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre, in a bid for safer streets and safer homes for women and girls.
"It is a symbolic statement that the streets and night also belong to us. For many women, the fear of walking on the street, being alone at home is real," said the co-ordinator of FWCC, Shamima Ali.
"This is our call of solidarity to them and it is a call to the authorities to ensure that women and children feel safer in streets, homes and through the night and day in this country," said Ms Ali.
She said from January to June 2004 and 2005, there was a substantial increase in reported cases of rape, attempted rape, indecent assault and other sexual offences.
She said according to police statistics, rape and attempted rape increased by 70 per cent, indecent assault by 58 per cent and defilement of girls' between 13 and 16 increased by 85 per cent.
"While, this could be a good indication that victims are confident about reporting, we are also aware that the degree of physical violence associated with the crimes have also increased and the feeling of safety for women declining," Ms Ali said.
The march started at the Flea Market through Cumming Street, Waimanu Road and Mark Street and ended at the Government Buildings.
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