SAFENET, a leading organization dedicated to addressing gender-based violence and promoting safety for women and children has supported Nusatuva Dorcas Ministry on Kolombangara, Western Province, during its ‘End It Now’ program last weekend.
The program was part of a broader effort to combat violence against women and children within the community.
The ‘End It Now’ program was held at the Ward 12, South Kolombangara in Nusatuva community last Friday and Saturday nights.
The event attracted a strong turnout of community members and church leaders, especially women, committed to raising awareness and taking a stand against violence.
SAFENET’s involvement, which consists of members and other stakeholders from Western Province Council of Women (WPCW), Family Support Center (FSC), Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) and Social Welfare, underscores the importance of partnership between religious organizations and advocacy groups in tackling the pervasive issue of gender-based violence.
During the event, SAFENET representatives provided valuable insights into the realities of domestic violence and shared resources available to those affected.
They emphasized the critical role that community members and church leaders play in supporting victims and advocating for change.
Speaking during the first day, SAFENET Provincial Coordinator and Western Province Women’s Desk Officer Lizzy Wong said the Western Province recently recorded the highest cases of domestic violence like sexual abuse in the country.
Ms Wong said by looking at the critical areas where WP has the red flag of gender-based violence, there is a need for a more collaboration with every church and religious group to tackle those serious issue to protect women and young girls in the community and society.
She said church communities need to work together with SAFENET to address this serious issue.
“It’s now the high time to end the violence that occurs within the home – family itself.
“Communities need to provide a good environment, leaders in community as well church group needs to work together to address this issue,” Ms Wong added.
WPCW President Rendy Solomon told Solomon Star in an interview that the collaboration with the Nusatuva District SDA Dorcas Ministry is a significant step towards expanding the reach of SAFENET’s mission.
“By aligning with the church’s ‘End It Now’ program, SAFENET aims to foster a safer environment for all, rooted in shared values of compassion, support and justice.”
During the program, participants were encouraged to become active voices in their communities to help break the silence surrounding domestic violence and ensure that victims have access to the help they need.
“More awareness and information on gender-based violence must reach the rural areas and communities. Now is the high time to end it, now as we speak,” Ms Solomon added.
Nusatuva SDA District Dorcas Ministry, Elcy Gideon said this was the first time the ministry engaged the SAFENET group to share information and awareness never heard before.
Ms Gideon said this retreat provided them a space to learn and hear new insights, information sharing from the SAFENET group.
She said there is need for more collaboration after inviting them for the first time.
“It’s good we engage them because we can be educated as well as advised on some important news that matters to us.
“Our program ‘End It Now’ is usually held annually and we are planning to invite the SAFENET again,” Ms Gideon added.
The event concluded with a call to action, urging all attendees to commit to ending violence in their homes and communities.
The partnership between SAFENET and the SDA Dorcas Ministry marks a promising chapter in the ongoing fight against gender-based violence in Western Province and country as a whole.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
