International Women's Day Celebration

International Women's Day was celebrated at the Health Centre on March 8th, 2013. The theme for the day was "A Promise is a Promise – Time for Action to End Violence against Women". The Head of the EU Delegation for the Pacific, Ambassador Andrew Jacobs was the official guest and he used the occasion to officially launch the VSHC project entitled "The Empowerment of Rural Women and Girls in Reproductive Health". This project is an EU funded project that was conceived by the Medical Director of VSHC, Associate Professor Swaran Naidu. There were approximately 80 people present for the celebration.

Speeches, singing and presentations on empowerment of women was the order of the day. The event was opened with a song on LOVE by the staff of VSHC.

Professor Gyaneshwar was the MC for the occasion and started by welcoming everybody to the event. Ambassador Jacobs then launched the Reproductive Health Project and spoke about the significance of gender issues.

Dr Swaran Naidu then gave a brief overview of cervical cancer, STI and Family Planning in Fiji, talked about empowering women and women's health in general and finished with an overview of the VSHC Reproductive Health Project. For more details please read the Reproductive Health Project page.

SN Amelia then gave an outline of the intial fieldwork being undertaken for the project, followed by a brief  summary of the Western Cancer Society operations given by Beth McElrath of the Cancer Society.
Lady Tui Vuda, Adi Senitiki Tavaiqia then spoke about spiritual, emotional and physical wellness in women.

The permanent secretary for Women, Dr Joe Koroivueta who was also invited sent in his apologies. Also present was a rep from the Fiji Times who covered the event which was later published in the Sunday issue (10/03/13).

The program ended with a dance activity of ZUMBA.

The attendees enjoyed themselves and were also treated to NCD friendly refreshments. Dr Swaran Naidu then delivered a vote of thanks.