NZAID supports womens group in Fiji
Fiji Times
8 July 2009
NEW ZEALAND AID has donated FJ$3.5 million to a non-governmental organisation specialising in womens issues.
NZ Aid manager Tom Wilson said the funding arrangement would deliver $3.5 million over a six-year period and reinforce New Zealand's strong commitment to the people of Fiji.
Mr Wilson said New Zealand was pleased to be support this funding arrangement with the FWCC given the huge toll that violence against women had on families, individuals and communities.
He said their support was based on what they had seen, heard, and read of the NGO's work among the disadvantaged groups, especially women and children.
"We recognise and support the critical role that FWCC plays in providing services to rural, urban and informal communities across Fiji," he said.
FWCC co-ordinator Shamima Ali said they ?as they would welcome any other form of help offered to them ? welcomed the long standing support of New Zealand.
The long-time women's rights advocate said a new centre would be constructed in Rakiraki and the funding would go a long way to help strengthen the service delivery of the different branches.
She said this would help them further their reach and help the people, especially women, in the rural areas and outer islands.
"We are grateful to the New Zealand Government for providing us with this support which has enabled us to work towards the empowerment of women experiencing violence in their lives," she said.
Ms Ali said New Zealand had been providing direct support to the FWCC branches since 2000.
