Soroptimist International of South West Pacific (SISWP) is to provide help to victims of violence, and those most vulnerable during natural disasters, with the construction of three shelters in Fiji, where women and children will receive counselling and accommodation during a programme of rehabilitation.
During the SISWP Presidential Work Tour & Project Launch in Fiji, Wednesday 22 August saw the Ministry for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and the SISWP delegation sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to officially commence collaboration for the building of the Soroptimist Sanctuary Shelters for women and children. Major TV networks witnessed the signing and the landmark event was reported on Primetime news.
At a special donation event on 23 August 2018, SISWP President Anusha Santhirasthipam, President Elect Suman Lata Lal and Company Secretary Karen Ford were honoured to receive a substantial donation towards Sanctuary: Shelter for Women project from TAPPOO Foundation. SISWP expressed its gratitude and appreciation for the generosity of the board of directors of TAPPOO Foundation with the hope that this would kick start further donations from corporate donors in Fiji.
On Friday, 24 August 2018, The Hon. Josaia Vorege Bainmarama, Prime Minister of Fiji together with Fiji Government Officials joined Anusha Santhirasthipam, President of SISWP, officials from SISWP and SI Fiji representatives, for a Groundbreaking Ceremony to recognise the official collaboration of the Social Public-Private Partnership (SPPP) and Joint-Venture to build the first Soroptimist ‘Sanctuary: Shelter for Women’ at Lot 2 next to Golden Age Home, Lautoka, Fiji.
SISWP President Anusha began her speech by expressing her respect for the nations’ continued ability to rebound from natural disaster, and rebuild lives from the ground up. Viewing the Shelters as a beacon of hope for victims of violence and the vulnerable, SISWP President Anusha discussed how women and children will be supported and moved towards economic independence, through a programme of expert advice, trauma counselling and education and skills development. The SISWP Federation programme intends to establish three centres at a cost of $200,000 each, and the shelters are expected to be in operation by 2019.
Permanent Secretary for Ministry for Women and Children, Dr Josefa Koroivueta thanked President of SISWP Dato’ Anusha Santhirasthipam for the initiative.
To read the full story from the SISWP Presidential Work Tour & Project Launch in Fiji written by SISWP President Dato’ Anusha Santhirasthipam Click HERE