Remarks by Ted Mann,  Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy, Suva
Gender and Violence Against Women Workshop, Savusavu, November 23, 2007

MR: Nov 23, 2007

It is a real honor for me to be here today and to present the certificates of completion for this important course for police sponsored by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Center.  

Many of you here today may not be aware that the course coordinator, Ms. Shamima Ali, is this year’s recipient of the U.S. State Department’s “Woman of Courage” award for Fiji.   Shamima richly deserved this award for all that she has done on behalf of the women of Fiji.   You members of the police here today also deserve congratulations for the courage you show every day in combating crime and making Fiji a safer place to live.

Among the most difficult and challenging issues that you, as members of the police force, face every day are the problems of violence against women, sexual assault, and child abuse.  I want to commend you for committing to this important three day course in which you and the Women’s Crisis Center frankly discussed these important and difficult topics.   I am sure that you will be able to apply what you learned in this course in the field and that you will make a real difference in protecting the community through the knowledge you’ve gained.  

Combating violence against women is a top priority in the foreign policy of the United States.  We are proud to have been able to sponsor this course, through funding we provided to the Asia Foundation.   While the United States is not a large bilateral aid donor to Fiji, we have tried to find ways to help fund worthwhile projects like this.  Hats off to the Asia Foundation and the Women’s Crisis Center for making this project happen.

So congratulations for finishing this course and good luck in all your future endeavors.