Read the latest news about the Sanctuary: Shelter for Women, Federation of the South West Pacific current 2-year project.
This project located in Fiji, aims to provide shelter to the most vulnerable in our community women and children who have been the victims of domestic violence and natural disasters and for whom are often the last to receive care and attention.
When there is no one else to turn to....
When there is no where else to go.....
Project News - Update
30th August 2018
During the recent SISWP Presidential Work Tour & Project Launch in Fiji, major Fiji Press including TV networks witnessed the landmark signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Media Conference with Ministry of Women, Family and Poverty Alleviation Fiji on Wednesday 22nd August 2018.
This MOU officially commenced collaboration for the building of Soroptimist Sanctuary Shelters for women and children who are victims of violence and who are most vulnerable during natural disasters.
On Thursday 23rd August 2018 a memorial event was held by Tappoo Foundation which is owned by Tappoo Group of companies which run a successful chain of retail stores, wholesale hypermarkets and dutyfree outlets. During this event Tappoo Foundation donated Fiji Dollars 5000 towards Soroptimist Sanctuary Shelters to be built in Fiji.
On Friday, 24th August 2018, The Hon. Josaia Vorege Bainmarama, Prime Minister of Fiji together with Fiji Government Officials joined Anusha Santhirasthipam, President of SISWP and SISWP representatives and SI Fiji representatives, for the official Groundbreaking Ceremony to recognise the 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.
Listen to Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific President 2018-2020 Anusha Santhirasthipam speech here.
30th July 2018
Our Federation Project Liaison team have accomplished clear and definite headway over the past few weeks. All remaining legal and administrative processes are completed to start the project in the coming month. We have secured Fiji Cabinet approval for the signing of contracts, Ministry of Land allocation of a suitable plot of land that meets our requirements and also official approval for the shelter building plans that we had submitted.
We are now preparing for the official events comprising a formal Signing Ceremony and Groundbreaking Ceremony in the last week of August in Fiji.
We will bring all the news LIVE to you when it happens. Look out for and share further updates on all the news we provide here on SISWP Website and SISWP Facebook page.
President Anusha Santhirasthipam announced at the Conference of Clubs 2018, that the Sanctuary: Shelter for Women project would continue as the Federation Project for the next 2 years.
Federation Project Manager; Maria Dolton proudly announced that the Fijian Government had donated 3 blocks of land where the Shelters will be built. The first shelter will be built in Lautoka. A building construction company has been contracted to begin building the first house. This is exciting news and we hope to showcase images of the home being built.
In the meantime, your donations are important to use, there are still two more homes to be built and every dollar is required.
Why do this project?
Fiji is ranked 4th in the world in terms of Violence.
It is very prone to natural disasters, in particular flooding and cyclones.
Shortages of shelters for victims of domestic violence, women and children are often taken back to their own homes, where the offenders can re-offend.
What will the project accomplish?
The project will build several shelters in various locations in Fiji, the shelters will consist of 2 bedroom houses, each with 4 beds, sitting room, dining room,
kitchen, bathroom, toilet and an office.
The office wlll be a dedicated space for ongoing counselling, training, and education, and access to support services.
Want to find out more?
Project Liaison: Theresa Lyford Email: Theresa Lyford
Project Manager: Maria Doton Email: Maria Doton