Fiji

FIJI Post-Disaster Needs Assessment
Child Protection: An estimated 120,000 children have been moderately to severely affected (40 percent of the child
population). Approximately 55 percent of schools and early childhood care and education centres were damaged or
destroyed, disrupting schooling for almost 86,000 students. Use of violence against children is high with a baseline study
on child protection in Fiji highlighting the acceptance of physical punishment as a means of disciplining children. Sexual
violence against children is also high with almost one in five women sexually abused before the age of 15. Furthermore,
Save the Children and the ILO highlight a significant market for child sex in Fiji. 128 In 2015, 115 cases of child sexual abuse
were reported to the Department of Social Welfare and 612 child welfare cases were reported, including neglect, physical
and emotional abuse, and severe malnutrition. As a result of the cyclone, increased stress on and vulnerability of families
and caregivers, and abuse rates are expected to increase, with anecdotal reports from police and welfare officers already
indicating the need for interventions. Continued support to the Ministry of Education’s programme in tracking children
who may have moved schools or dropped out is required. Programmes to provide psychosocial support to children and
caregivers are also needed to reduce the long-term impact of psychological distress.
Disability Issues: The Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons estimated that 1 percent (11,402 people) of the Fijian
population is living with some form of disability. The Pacific Disability Forum further estimates that about 4,534 PLWD have
been affected by the disaster; however, this figure could be higher as a result of injuries sustained during the cyclone.
Disasters make the situation worse for PLWD, with regard to access to essential services, such as the challenges created
by debris caused from the cyclone. Physiotherapy services for those recovering from injuries will also be needed. Efforts
should be made to reach women with injuries who may not seek services or who may have family members that do not see
the need to support them in seeking medical help. Disasters can lead to loss of or additional burdens on caretakers, who
are often women. Efforts to identify, document and support people who have become disabled as a consequence of the
disaster through social benefit schemes are essential. This support should include linking people with debilitating injuries
to the disability community for social support. Close linkages between the MoHMS and the Department of Social Welfare
and NGOs providing psychosocial support is needed.
Gender and Social Inclusion Recommendations
While women and different social groups have been disproportionally affected by TC Winston, simply viewing them as
victims of the disaster only serves to exacerbate their vulnerability. As women’s contribution to the household economy is
substantial, they will be a critical partner in the rapid recovery of Fijian households and wellbeing and the entire affected
population. Post-disaster recovery resources must strive to safeguard, restore and promote the economic engagement
and participation of disadvantaged groups. Recovery efforts must redress gender inequalities or, at the very least, not
perpetuate unequal access to power and resources. Such recovery strategies are outlined below.
Targeted investment through extension, soft loans and skills development must be made in areas with a high
representation of women, particularly in the informal sector in agriculture, markets and SMEs.
especially in food crops controlled by women. Investment in subsistence agriculture must be done in tandem with
non-farm skills and market development.
inequality faced by women and vulnerable groups.
jobs, such as community infrastructure rehabilitation and public works.
families will be critical for ensuring that assistance reaches the most vulnerable groups, including pregnant women,
the elderly and PLWDs.
an integral part of recovery strategies for all sectors.
toilets and wash facilities that allow privacy and protection.
affected communities. Psychosocial support should be made available to men, women and children in the affected
areas.
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ADB 2015: Fiji Country Gender Assessment
104 Tropical Cyclone Winston, February 20, 2016