Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694821860848.pdf (Fiji)
Strategic Direction Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation VISIon Empowering the Women, Children and the Disadvantaged.

MISSIon Families and Communities supported through Social Welfare Initiatives and Gender mainstreaming programmes.

VAlueS ▶ Human Dignity We respect the dignity of all we serve.

▶ Commitment to Excellence We will pursue to provide excellent service.

▶ Integrity We are committed to conduct ourselves in a manner consistent with the highest standard of integrity.
We are committed to be honest, ethical and fair in all our activities.

We keep our word, deliver our promises and acknowledge our mistakes.

▶ Customers Efficient and effective customer service and satisfaction.
RoleS AnD ReSponSIBIlItIeS The Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation is the Government Agency that administers services and programs aligned to the: ▶ Care and protection of children ▶ Provision of income support to families to address poverty ▶ Provision of policy intervention for older persons ▶ Provision of policy intervention for persons with disabilities ▶ Promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women ▶ Monitor, evaluate and report on the progress and impact of the INPEP 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 1 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Minister’s Foreword Permanent Secretary’s Message Audited Financial Statements Organization Chart Executive Support Unit Department of Social Welfare Department of Women Poverty Monitoring Unit Corporate Services Department REACH Project p03 p04 p05 p16 p17 p20 p29 p35 p39 p42 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 2 Greetings.
It is a great pleasure for me to present the Annual Report of the 2016-2017 fiscal year.

This has been the first year for me to be in office as the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and it has been quite a journey.

M I n I S t e R ’ S F o r e w o r d stakeholders and partners from Government and the Civil Society to ensure the best possible results are obtained from our work; and reviewed areas that needed improvement from our end for better service delivery.
These achievements are still a work in progress and we aim to continue in our endeavor to help all Fijians access A fundamental promise of the 2030 Agenda is to leave services of the Fijian Government to lead a better life.

no one behind.
no one behind.

This report showcases the many ways in which the Ministry supports the interests and growth Over the course of this year I have been personally touched of the most disadvantaged segments of the Fijian by issues faced by our clientele, who are often victims population, namely people living in poverty, people living of discrimination, abuse, violence and neglect.
We have with disabilities, older persons, women and children plans in place for policy changes, projects, programs and to turn the aims of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable better adherence to international governing instruments Development into results.

of the United Nations and other international and regional organizations that Fiji has ratified in relation to The Ministry for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation the benefits of our clientele.
is the one Ministry that holds close this promise of the 2030 Agenda in truly leaving no one behind as we raise Together with our many partners, the Ministry will as a nation.

continue to deliver for the disadvantaged Fijians based on the foundation of the 2030 Agenda and the vision of We have worked in collaboration with many of our the Fijian Government, seeking equality for all.

Hon.
Hon.

Mereseini Vuniwaqa Minister for Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 3 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 3 peRMAnent SecRetARy’S A G e S M e S • Attending the 136th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Bangladesh.

• Attending High Level meeting on Management of Social Transformation Forum in Malaysia.

• Assistant Minister attended the 3rd High Level meeting on South-South Cooperation for Child Rights in Asia Pacific in Malaysia.
The 3rd National Women’s Expo aims to showcase the talents of Rural Women Artisans and connect them to domestic, regional and international markets through the Fijian Made Emblem and Certification.

The Ministry launched the National Domestic Violence Helpline No.

1560 in partnership with Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and Telecommunication partners; Vodafone, Digicel and Telecom to encourage reporting on Gender Based Violence and seek assistance.
With the change in the government’s financial year to August 2016 to July 2017, business re-engineering was introduced to streamline processes and procedures with view to its relevancy.

During this fiscal year, with the change in portfolios, we welcomed Hon.

Mereseini Vuniwaqa as the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and Hon.

Veena Bhatnagar as Assistant Minister and farewelled Hon.

Rosy S. Akbar who joined Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
As the Ministry responsible for the care and protection of children, women, the disadvantaged, people with disabilities and older persons, the Ministry continued to provide social protection, gender mainstreaming and empowerment programs to address people’s needs and alleviate poverty.

Hon.

Minister led a delegation to the 61st Commission on the Status of Women in New Work.
Other international and bilateral commitments included: In addition, the Ministry through the Poverty Monitoring Unit monitored and evaluated the impact of Poverty Alleviation Programs of Government across Ministries.

• Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.

• Attending the 25th Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum.
I must thank our UN Partners, Agencies, Stakeholders and Ministry staff in uniting strongly to make a difference in the lives of children, women, disadvantaged, people with disabilities and older persons in Fiji.
2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 4 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 4 Dr. Josefa Koroivueta Permanent Secretary Ministry of Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2017 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 5 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 5 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 6 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 7 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 8 MINISTRY OF WOMEN, CHILDREN AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION MANAgEMENT CERTIFICATE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JuLY 2017 We certify that these financial statements: (a) fairly reflect the financial operations and performance of the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and its financial year ended 31 July 2017; and (b) have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Financial Management Act, Finance Instructions 2010 and Finance (Amendment) Instructions 2016.
Dr. Josefa Koroivueta Permanent Secretary Date: 18/05/18 Mrs. Venina Duvuduvukula A/Principal Accounts Officer Date: 18/05/18 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 9 Notes 12 months 31 July 2017 ($) 7 months 31 July 2016 ($) 6,915 6,915 2,407 2,407 9,322 5,473,831 1,574,668 375,953 756,193 1,269,507 49,393,442 2,258,398 61,101,992 88,116 952,817 1,040,933 3 (a) 3 (b) 3 (c) 3 (d) 3,405 3,405 365,677 365,677 369,082 2,432,201 692,879 208,514 473,516 972,395 29,760,494 809,725 35,349,724 34,483 164,621 199,104 227,308 103,863 62,370,233 35,652,691 Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the financial period ended 31 July 2017 REVENUE State Revenue Operating Revenue Total State Revenue Agency Revenue Miscellaneous Revenue Total Agency Revenue TOTAL REVENuE EXPENDITURE Operating Expenditure Established Staff Government Wage Earners Travel & Communication Maintenance & Operations Purchase of Goods & Services Operating Grants & Transfers Special Expenditure Total Operating Expenditure Capital Expenditure Capital Purchase Grants & Transfers Total Capital Expenditure Value Added Tax TOTAL ExPENDITuRE 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 10 Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Appropriation Statement for the year ended 31 July 2017 SEG ITEM (Note 4) a b (a-b) Budget Estimate $ Appropriation Changes $ Revised Estimate $ Actual Expenditure $ Lapsed Appropriation $ Established Staff Unestablished Staff Travel & Communication Maintenance & Operations Purchase of Goods & Services Operating Grants & Transfers Special Expenditure 5,370,059 995,247 330,000 790,200 1,086,730 43,130,000 2,544,620 117,133 585,594 59,394 9,520 208,682 5,487,192 1,580,841 389,394 799,720 1,295,412 5,473,831 1,574,668 375,953 756,193 1,269,507 7,597,207 50,727,207 49,393,442 (142,110) 2,402,510 2,258,398 61,101,992 TOTAL OPERATINg COSTS 54,246,856 8,435,420 62,682,276 CaPITal EXPENDITURE 9 10 Capital Purchase Capital Grants & Transfers Total Capital Expenditure - 1,350,000 1,350,000 89,910 - 89,910 89,910 1,350,000 1,439,910 88,116 952,817 1,040,933 13,361 6,173 13,441 43,527 25,905 1,333,965 144,112 1,580,284 1,794 397,183 398,977 13 Value Added Tax 422,100 21,896 443,996 227,308 216,688 TOTAL ExPENDITuRE 56,018,956 8,547,226 64,122,186 62,370,233 1,751,953 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 11 Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Statement of Losses for the year ended 31 July 2017 loss of Money There was no loss of money recorded for the year ended 31 July 2017. loss of Revenue There was no loss of revenue recorded for the year ended 31 July 2017. loss (other than money) The Board of Survey for 2016-2017 was not carried out in accordance with Section 49 of the Finance Instruction 2010.
2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 12 Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Notes to And Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 July 2017 NOTE 1: REPORTINg ENTITY The Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation is overseas the three departments: Department of Social Welfare and Department of Women and Children and Poverty Monitoring Unit.
Government is committed to reducing poverty to a negligible level and these Departments further that cause by breaking down barriers erected by gender, age, disability and economic standing.

The Department of Social Welfare administers Fiji’s recently-reformed social welfare programs, which include the Poverty Benefit Scheme, the Child Protection Allowance, the Food Voucher Program, the Social Pension Scheme and the Bus Fare Subsidy.
In managing these programs, the Department is responsible for ensuring that aid flows to those who need it the most, while stamping out corruption and fraud in the system.

The Department is equally committed to ensuring that these programs do not create a culture of dependency, focusing efforts and energy on graduating individuals and families from “welfare to workfare”.
The Department also has the statutory responsibility to ensure the protection and wellbeing of children, which includes managing juvenile centres.

The Department of Women is responsible for providing Fijian women and girls, particularly those in rural communities, with the skills and education they need to participate as equal members in society.

It works to provide the necessary support to enable them to bring about positive changes for themselves, for their families and for their communities.
This mission is underscored in the National Women’s Plan of Action, which is aimed at boosting women’s employment opportunities, increasing women’s participation in decision making, eliminating violence against women, improving women’s access to basic services, and addressing women’s issues in new legislation.

The Department works with other Ministries to ensure that gender perspectives are addressed in all Government policies and initiatives and to promote gender equality.
The Poverty Monitoring Unit evaluates Government’s poverty related programmes and makes policy recommendations to the Ministry and Cabinet.

NOTE 2: STATEMENT OF ACCOuNTINg POLICIES (a) Basis of Accounting In accordance with Government accounting policies, the financial statements of the Ministry for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation is prepared on cash basis of accounting.

All payments related to purchases of fixed assets have been expensed.
The financial statements are presented in accordance with the Financial Management Act and the requirements of Section 71 (1) of the Finance Instruction 2010 and Finance (Amendment) Instructions 2016.

The preparation and presentation of a Statement of Assets and Liabilities is not required under the current Government policies, except for that of the Trading and Manufacturing Accounts.

(b) Accounting for Value Added Tax (VAT) All income and expenses are VAT exclusive.
The Ministry on a monthly basis takes out VAT output on total money received for expenditure from Ministry of Economy.

VAT input on the other hand is claimed on payments made to the suppliers and the sub-contractors for expenses incurred.

The VAT payment as per the Statement of Receipts and Expenditures relates to VAT input claimed on payments made to the suppliers and sub-contractors for expenses incurred and VAT payments to FRCS.
Actual amount paid to FRCS during the year represent the difference between VAT Output and VAT Input.

2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 13 (c) Comparative Figures The Ministry changed its reporting period from 1 August to 31 July as per Ministry of Economy circular number 04/16 due to a change in the whole government reporting period.

Hence, the 2016-2017 financial reporting period is for 12 months effective from 1 August 2016 to 31 July 2017.
In comparison, the 2016 financial reporting period is for 7 months effective from 1 January 2016 to 31 July 2016.

This was provided for in the Financial Management (Amendment) Act 2016.

(d) Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognised when actual cash are received by the Ministry.
NOTE 3: SIgNIFICANT VARIATIONS (a) Miscellaneous Revenue decreased by $363,270 or 99% in 2017 compared to 2016 due to decline in refund allowance for Social Protection Program recipients as a result of closed or invalid bank accounts.

(b) Special Expenditure increased by $1,448,673 or 179% in 2017 compared to 2016.

The increase was mainly due to new expenditure of $495,881 relating to Fiji National Women’s Expo in 2017 and increased expenditure of $584,920 for Child Protection Program in 2017.
(c) There was no budgetary allocation provided by the Ministry of Economy for Capital Purchase in 2017.

The Ministry vired $89,910 in 2017 to procure two boats for the maritime areas of Bua and Lomaiviti Province.

(d) Capital Grants & Transfers increased by $788,196 or 479% in 2017 compared to 2016.

The major increase was due to increase in expenditure for Welfare Graduation Program by $553,771 and increased expenditure by Capital Grant to Voluntary Organisations by $144,432 in 2017.
NOTE 4: DETAILS OF APPROPRIATION CHANgES The Cabinet approved the re-deployment of Funds from Head 43 (Fiji Roads Authority) via Cabinet Decision CP (17) 129.

Re-deployment Number From REDY01 Head 43 To SEG 05 SEG 06 SEG 13 Amount ($) Reason for redeployment 221,396 To meet the shortfall in expenditure commitment.

8,303,934 21,896 The Minister for Economy approved the following transfer of funds during the period.
Virement Number V24001 V24005 V24006 From SEG 06 SEG 06 SEG 06 To SEG 01 SEG 01 SEG 02 SEG 01 SEG 02 Amount ($) 329,900 174,814 165,845 11,539 20,629 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 14 NOTE 4: DETAILS OF APPROPRIATION CHANgES (Continued...) The Permanent Secretary for Economy approved the following transfer of funds during the period.
Virement Number V24002 V24003 V24004 V24005 From SEG 01 SEG 01 SEG 10 SEG 01 To SEG 02 SEG 02 SEG 10 SEG 02 Amount ($) 84,880 34,194 50,000 280,046 The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry approved the following virements under delegation from the Minister of Economy.
Virement Number DV2401 DV2402 DV2403 DV2404 DV2405 DV2406 From SEG 03 SEG 04 SEG 07 SEG 13 SEG 07 SEG 13 SEG 04 SEG 07 SEG 03 SEG 07 SEG 04 SEG 05 SEG 06 To SEG 04 SEG 04 SEG 09 SEG 13 SEG 05 SEG 03 SEG 04 SEG 03 SEG 03 SEG 03 SEG 03 SEG 04 SEG 05 SEG 07 Amount ($) 5,000 40,000 89,910 4,045 7,000 11,700 12,200 8,000 1,000 36,500 34,451 4,000 NOTE 5: OPERATINg TRuST ACCOuNT As at 31 July 2017, the Ministry had a credit balance of $115,733 in the Operating Trust Fund Account.
NOTE 6: REVOLVINg FuND ACCOuNT At balance date, the Ministry had a balance of $19,049 in the Revolving Fund Account.

The balance was due to Accountable Advance issued to the officers which was not retired on time due to system errors.

NOTE 7: DRAWINg ACCOuNT At balance date, the Ministry had a balance of $1,197,193 in the Drawings Account.

These monies relate to cheques written by the Ministry that were yet to be presented to the bank.
2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 15 ) S I ( O W S S F D A S C D A ) W ( O W P ) N ( O W P O R P O R S O R S O P E S ) S I ( O W S ) P C ( O W S ) W S ( O W S ) N ( O W S ) t n a c a V ( E M S C S A P S A S ) t n a c a V ( O R O R O P E ) R ( O W S ) W N ( O W S ) E S ( O W S ) A P W ( I O W S r e c i f f O e v i t a r t s i n m d A i ) F W F ( ) C ( I O W r e c i f f O e v i t a r t s i n m d A i ) U P P / R H ( ) e c n a n F i ( O A P 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 16 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 16 ) u n i s a N ( O W S ) n r e t s a E ( I O W ) L ( I O W S ) n r e t s e W ( I O W ) h t r o N ( I O W ) h c r a e s e R ( I O W S ) C ( O W S ) W A D E C ( I O W S r e c i f f O e v i t a r t s i n m d A i ) v e D / g n n a r T i i ( Executive Support Unit “Taking Action to Achieve our Outputs” 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 17 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 17 Overview The 2016-2017 fiscal year began with a reshuffle of Minister or Hon.
Assistant Minister conducts Talanoa session with the communities to discuss their difficulties and needs.

Ministerial portfolios.

The Ministerial leadership was handed Furthermore, accompanied by officers of the departments by Honorable Rosy Akbar to Honorable Mereseini Rakuita of the Ministry and even other government departments Vuniwaqa.

With this change, an Assistant Minister was added accompanied the Executives.

to the list of the Ministry Executives.


This position was assumed by Honorable Veena Bhatnagar.

ESU made necessary referrals and facilitated the related requests in due course.

A new team replaced the outgoing ESU staff as well.
This Unit has the primary responsibility of ensuring the policy and mandates of the Executives are communicated to the Partnerships The 2016-2017 fiscal year was also a time for strengthening Departments and external stakeholders and seen that they partnerships for the Ministry through the signing of are achieved.
ESU assists the Executives in preparing for Memorandum of Understandings between the Ministry and Parliamentary Sessions, Local Meetings, Community Visits, external parties to achieve common goals, particularly by working with the departments within the Ministry.

The Executives also maintained the Ministry’s previous bilateral relationships to ensure our services could be improved even more.

One such partnership is between the Ministry and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
The Ministry received a $40,000 cheque from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Fiji to assist the Ministry with the procurement of equipment to be utilized in the Age Care Homes around the country.

The Embassy had also donated a laptop and a Desktop computer for the Mahaffy Girls Home in Domain.

This donation was a continuation of the Chinese Government’s support to the work of the Ministry which in the past had seen the supply of sewing machines and fabrics for women’s groups.
Cabinet and International Meetings.

International Meetings The Honorable Minister attended the 25th Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum, 61st Commission on the Status of Women, heading a five-member delegation to New York, High Level Meeting on Management of Social Transformations Forum in Malaysia, and the 136th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Bangladesh.

Honorable Assistant Minister attended the 3rd High Level Meeting on South-South Cooperation for Child Rights in Asia and the Pacific in Malaysia.
ESU provided the necessary logistical and technical support to the Executives during their participation at these meetings.

Community Outreach The Executives of the Ministry made concerted efforts Assistance and Projects ESU was given a budget of $200,000.00 in this fiscal year to to ensure there was liaison with Fijians living in rural assist families, organizations and individuals who need urgent communities.

Through the community outreach, the Hon.


assistance in areas that cannot be catered for from any other 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 18 budget line within government services.
The assistance included provision of water tanks to homes in the areas Internal Affairs The ESU also managed the internal meetings of the senior struck by TC Winston where the Divisional Commissioners’ management with the Executives, as well as facilitating tours offices did not have any water tanks to assist families with for the Executives to all the District Offices of the Ministry.
given the demand at the time; financing of urgent medical This was not only to orientate the new Minister, but to also treatments, purchase of items for women’s groups for allow an opportunity for the Ministry Staff to communicate their urgent social obligations, school items and fees for their challenges with the Executives in terms of service poor students, housing assistance, generators, fire relief delivery.
assistance where the allocated budget had been exhausted, outboard engines for communities using river rafts as a Special Programs means of crossing rivers, and funding of Income Generating Projects for the Disadvantaged.

Donations were also received from groups in Australia, whereby several good Samaritans collected household, school, health and sanitary items, together with furniture, computers and clothing and sent them over to the Ministry for distribution.
These items were carefully distributed to the state-owned Age Care and Children’s Homes, victims of TC Winston, Fire Victims and homeless persons.

Media Liaison On the 1st of November 2016, senior officials from the Fiji The Unit also organized the ‘International Day of Families’ in this fiscal year at St. Teresa’s College in Bemana, Sigatoka.
This venue was chosen after the Minister’s previous tour of Broadcasting Corporation, Fiji Times Limited and Fiji Sun the school and the realization of the major limitations in their attended a stakeholder meeting to discuss strategies access to basics services such as water.

The celebration to strengthen the existing working relationship and the was done in an outreach setting with essential government promotion of the services of the Ministry through mainstream services taken to the people on the day.
It was also an media, especially given the important function the media opportune time for the Minister who was the Chief Guest at plays in delivering the Ministry’s key role of advocacy for the event, to deliver a powerful message on the importance of women, children, the elderly, people living with disabilities family in the education of children.

and the underprivileged.

As vulnerable Members of our community, access to information and services becomes a real challenge for them.
This heightens the need for balanced and fair reporting which is clear and unambiguous and untainted by personal or institutional biases.

Apart from this, the Media Team covered all the events of the Executives and the Departmental programs.
The media team also played a significant role in the promotion of the Ministry programs like the Provincial Craft Shows and the National Launching of Kadavu Eagle, an outboard engine boat to assist Women’s Expo, and in publishing messages on important with delivery of Government’s services in the Province of events from the Executives.

Kadavu.
2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 19 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 19 Department of Social Welfare “Includes Child Services Unit, Family Services Unit & Older Persons Unit” 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 20 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 20 chIlD SeRVIceS unIt Ensuring Child Protection through Institutional or Foster Placements A total of 180 child placements were facilitated into the ten (10) residential facilities and foster placements includes the exit of children from Residential Care Homes to either kinship or Foster Placement as highlighted in graph below.
Graph 1: Number of Child Placements in Residential Facilities and Foster Placements St. Tabitha Orphanage Veilomani Boys Home Treasure House Christian Children’s Home Saint Minas Children’s Home Saint Christopher’s Home Lomani Au Homes of Hope Dilkusha Children’s Home Pearly Gates Home Fiji Juvenile Rehabilitation & Development Centre 180 children Residential Facilities 8 children Foster Placements 8, 4% 180, 96% 188 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 Residential Home for Children Foster Placements for children Child Welfare Decree Cases The Department recorded an annual figure of 975 reported cases from January to December as per graph below.
Graph 2: Number of Child Welfare Decree Cases (Quarter 1-4) Central Nasinu South East South West North West Northern 0 50 100 150 200 250 Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 160 217 101 183 157 157 975 Qrtr 1: 214 cases Qrtr 1: 419 cases Qrtr 1: 221 cases Qrtr 1: 121 cases TOTAL: 975 cases Northern North West South West South East Nasinu Central Residential Care The ten (10) Residential Homes have been well managed to best meet the needs of children and according to the Minimum Standards of Audit as a Guide to ensure that the best interest of children’s quality care and the management of the home are upheld.
During the fiscal year 2016-2017 Audit of the homes did not eventuate, however, build up activities for Audit such as care planning for the children, meetings with divisional offices and those that manage the homes.

Minimum standard training for the staff of the Homes were also carried out.

Monthly Payments The care of the wards of the State in residential homes is provided monthly Care & Protection Allowance for the welfare of children.
2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 21 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 21 A total of $170,160 was paid across the ten (10) residential homes as highlighted in graph below: Graph 3: Payment to Residential Homes (Quarter 1-4) St. Tabitha Orphanage Veilomani Boys Home Treasure House Christian Children’s Home Saint Minas Children’s Home Saint Christopher’s Home Lomani Au Homes of Hope Fiji Crippled Children Society Dilkusha Children’s Home Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 45,000 50,000 Qrtr 1: $42,120 Qrtr 1: $39,360 Qrtr 1: $42,840 Qrtr 1: $45,840 TOTAL: $170,160 Probation for Juvenile and Adults The Department serves as the government agency that has statutory responsibilities towards the care and protection of children via a court decision, particularly for children who are found to be in breach of the Crimes Decree.
The Probation of Offenders Act and the Community Work Order act provide alternative sentencing for offenders.

The Department had a total 96 Probation cases.

Graph 4: Number of Probation Cases by Divisions (Quarter 1-4) Central South East South West North West North Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 0 Child Helpline (Toll Free Call No.
1325) Through the Child Help Line initiative with the toll free line, 1325, provides an avenue where the public including children can report on any child-related abuse cases and acquire information.

The Medical Services Pacific (MSP) with whom the Ministry has an MOU, recorded a total of 15,667 calls in 2016-17.

Graph below provides a quarterly breakdown of the categorized calls.
Graph 5: Breakdown of Child Helpline (1520) Categorized Calls (Quarter 1-4) Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Testing Silent Prank Genuine 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 Qrtr 1: 3,533 calls Qrtr 1: 4,174 calls Qrtr 1: 4,011 calls Qrtr 1: 3,949 calls TOTAL: 15,667 CALLS 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 22 Training of Trainers The Department facilitated 52 community awareness to identified community leaders across the four divisions in relation to Child Protection.
Graph 6: Number of Community Awareness Training (Quarter 1-4) South East South West North West Northern 0 Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 National Coordinating Committee Meetings and Inter Agency Meetings (NCCC and IAC) The NCCC is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and its role also extends to providing advice, regulating and monitoring the protection and welfare of children in Fiji.
The Department facilitated 36 meetings across the four divisions to address child protection issues and note the progress and updates.

Graph 7: Number of NCC & IAC Meetings (Quarter 1-4) NCCC Central South East South West North West Northern 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (PCAN) Campaign/Blue Ribbon Campaign Department facilitated 59 PCAN Awareness.

This is to prevent the abuse and neglect of children.
Child protection requires collaboration between Government, Non-Government Organizations and communities to effectively address the issue at a national level.

Graph 8: Number of PCAN Celebration & Awareness Central Nasinu South East South West North West Northern 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 PCAN Celebration and Awareness 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 23 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 23 Court Reports The Department generated a total of 658 court reports across the 6 divisions.
Graph 9: Number of Court Reports Facilitated by Divisions Court Reports facilitated Central Nasinu South East South West North West Northern 0 50 100 150 200 250 Child Protection In Emergencies (CPIE) And Natural Disasters The Department is part of the Social Protection cluster of Agencies that is coordinated under the National Disaster Management and Coordinating Office to intervene on emergency cases and is resourced to facilitate basic necessities for babies during emergencies from the hospital or at the declared station of emergency.
Child Protection in Emergencies (CPIE) and Natural Disasters - four (4) trainings were conducted to up skill staff to respond to CPIE.

Psychosocial Support (PSS) Assessment Rollout After the severe Tropical cyclone Winston on February 20th 2016, the Child Services Unit (CSU) worked in partnership with UNICEF to provide psychosocial support (PSS) for children and their families whom are victims of the cyclone.

The PSS program was to protect and promote psychosocial wellbeing by reducing risk factors.
The Community Child Protection Officers (CPOs) facilitated 80 awareness to most affected villages, settlements and schools in their respective divisions.

The CPOs reached out to 160 most affected villages, settlements and schools in their respective Divisions.

Training The Department held 10 workshops to upgrade and up skill its Officers on Child Welfare, Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Positive discipline.
Other Related Child Protection Programs The following were other programmes facilitated by the Department in related to Child Protection.
Graph 10: Number of other related Child Protection Programs (Quarter 1-4) Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Faith Based Meeting CRC Taskforce Meeting Children’s Symposium Children’s Forum 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 24 FAMIly SeRVIceS unIt Poverty Benefit Scheme $23.2million was allocated this fiscal year towards this Programme targeting the disadvantaged and poor families.

The Ministry by 31st July 2017 was able to assist a total of 25,491 households.
The allowance ranges from $30 to $110 per month supplemented with $50 monthly Food Voucher.

New Approvals: The Department approved a total of 4505 Reviews: A total of 3358 cases were reviewed under the Scheme.

cases assisted under the Poverty Benefit Scheme (PBS).

The The South West division accumulated the highest review figures graph below shows breakdown per division.

for 2016-17 with a total of 1273 cases.

The breakdowns as per the 6 divisional offices around Fiji are projected below.
Graph 1: Poverty Benefit Scheme (Number of New Approvals & Reviews) Central Nasinu North West Northern South East South West 195 151 107 340 325 355 732 770 0 200 400 600 800 1162 1481 972 1000 1273 1200 1400 1600 New Approvals Reviews $23.2million budget 4,505 cases approved Care and Protection Allowance (C&P) Allowance The allowance aims to provide assistance to children living in single parent households or under care of guardians who need financial assistance.
Depending on the age of the child, families receive cash allowance per month ranging from $25 to $110 plus $50 food voucher.

Children with disabilities are considered for maximum allowance of $60 per month, children in high school $42, children in primary school $34 and children in pre-school $29.

The C&P Allowance is also given as cash grants to residential homes that provide foster care, adoption and residential facilities for orphans.
In 2016-2017 Government continued to assist the program with a budgetary allocation of $3.5million and assisted a total of 3,141 cases by end of 31st August 2017.

New Approvals: The Department approved a total of 970 Reviews: A total of 844 reviews were carried out under the cases to be assisted through the Programme.

Graph on next scheme.

Graph on next page provides the breakdown of the page provides the breakdown of the new approvals.

reviews.
reviews.

2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 25 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 25 Graph 2: Care & Protection Allowance (Number of New Approvals & Reviews) Central Nasinu South East South West North West Northern 62 58 68 18 93 107 207 186 215 221 289 289 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 New Approvals Reviews $3.5million budget 970 cases approved Food Voucher Program for Rural Pregnant Mothers (FVPRPM) The Program continues to aim at improving maternal health and reducing child mortality.
It provides nutrition needs required during pregnancies to avoid complications during later stages of pregnancy or during child birth.

The Department processed a total of 2,165 cases working towards SDG 3: Good Health and Well Being.

Social Pension Scheme (SPS) The Programme is targeted towards persons aged 66 years and over who do not have any form of income or pension or who have never been beneficiaries of any superannuation schemes like FNPF and After Care Fund.
The monthly allowance was increased from $30 to $50 and the eligibility age was reduced from 68 years to 66 years in July 2016.

New Approvals & Reviews: A total of 8058 new cases were approved while a total of 1455 cases were reviewed under the scheme.
Graph 3: Social Pension Scheme (Number of New Approvals & Reviews) Central Nasinu 71 70 South East 33 South West North West Northern 0 519 358 423 500 500 1324 1101 973 1000 1463 1500 $50 allowance 2678 2000 2500 3000 Reviews New Approvals 8,058 cases approved 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 26 Grants to Voluntary Organization There were 7 NGO’s assisted through the Programme with a total budgetary allocation of $220,000.
Bus Fare The Department processed a total of 5,507 bus fare cards as highlighted in the Graph below.

Graph 4: Number of Bus Fare Cards processed by Divisions Central Nasinu South Eastern South Western North Western Northern 410 822 732 793 1044 1706 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 Fire Victim A total of 179 fire victim cases were assisted through the scheme across the four divisions.
Income Generation Project (IGP) The Department trained a total of 183 welfare recipients marked for graduation under the Welfare to Workfare Program.

In addition to this, 9 were assisted with seeds grant under the graduation program for Loloma Beggars Project.

olDeR peRSonS unIt (opu) The Units provides Programs for Older Persons in Fiji and organizations that provide services to older persons needs to be registered under the National Council for Older Persons (NCOP).
The Unit assisted the following organizations with NCOP grant to facilitate services for older persons: Graph 1: NCOP Grants to Institutions (FJD Dollars) Senior Citizens Association Nadi 10,000 Pearce Home Home of Compassion HART Nursing Home Ba Senior Citizens Community Centre 17,000 18,432 22,126 20,000 - 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 NCOP Registered Affiliates 1.

The Mother Aubert Home of Compassion Trust, Suva 4.

Samabula Senior Citizens Home, Suva 2.


Housing Assistance and Relief Trust, Nasinu 5.

Sisters of our Lady of Nazareth Retirement Home, 3.

The Suva Relief Fund Trust Board (Pearce Home, Suva) Wailoku Suva 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 27 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 27 6.

Senior Citizens Association, Nadi 7.

Father Law Home (Lami, Suva) 10.

Senior Citizens Ba Community Centre 11.

The Golden Age Home, Lautoka 8.

Senior Citizens Foundation, Lautoka 12.

Society of Saint Vincent De Paul, Suva 9.


Banaban Elders and Land Owners Association State Homes for Older Persons An additional responsibility as of January 2016 was the administration of the 3 State Homes for Older Persons based in Labasa, Lautoka and Samabula.

The 3 State Homes as per its initial objective was to create a space to provide institutional care to those that were abandoned, and neglected by their families.
Established in the late 1960s, the current Human resource capacity for the 3 Homes is tagged at 11 established staff and 45 unestablished staff.

As at July 2017 the total residents at the 3 State Homes was 130.
Graph 2: Total Residents at State Homes split by Gender Babasiga Ashram Golden Age Home Lautoka Samabula Senior Citizens Home 14 14 28 23 21 44 25 33 0 10 20 30 40 50 58 60 70 TOTAL MALE TOTAL FEMALE TOTAL# OF RESIDENTS help FoR hoMe InItIAtIVe For fiscal year August 1st 2016 – 31st July 2017, the Ministry continued the Help for Home programme by the assisting Fijians who were missed out in the 1st phase (March – June).
Below is the number of households assisted in phase 2 and phase 3 of the exercise and total funds utilised: Graph 1: Funds Utilized under Help for Home Initiative (Quarter 1-4): 4 3 2 1 10,738,000 12,628,000 3,054,000 1,980,000 6,784,500 1,846,500 3,159,000 157,500 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Phase3 (Total) Phase2 (Total) Graph 2: Number of Recipients assisted under Help for Home Initiative (Quarter 1-4): 1804 660 4 3 2 1 1231 105 1534 1018 4523 2106 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Phase 2 (Total Recipients) Phase 3 (Total Recipients) 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 28 Department of Women “Administers programmes through the Women’s Plan of Action” 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 29 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 29 DepARtMent oF WoMen The Department of Women is the primary policy advisor to Government on women’s development and gender mainstreaming.
The Department continues to work towards the implementation of programmes administered through the Women’s Plan of Action according to its 5 Thematic Areas as follows: Thematic Area 1: Formal Sector Employment and Livelihood Work in this thematic area continued with the aim to promote women in livelihood projects, women’s economic rights and self-reliance that will enable women to effectively contribute towards their household and community as a whole.
Activity 1: Income Generating Projects (IGP) Funded to Women’s Group: A total of 5 new IGP’s were funded by the Department.

Projects included beekeeping pilot project, poultry and brush cutter project.

The Department also monitored 135 projects across the 4 divisions.

Activity 2: Bilateral Cooperation: The Department hosted international delegations from Indonesia and Japan.
A four member delegation from Indonesia from Ciputra University and Ministry of Foreign Affairs came to monitor and evaluate the Ciputra trainees’ business ideas and learning’s.
22,011 15,896 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 - (Total Sales (FJD Dollars) by Women during Divisional Craft Shows) 8,830 5,000 783 3,668 3,485 2,569 7,434 4,486 1,269 194 1,481 SALES Activity 4: National Women’s Expo The National Women’s Expo was held from the 14th to 16th June, 2017 with the theme “Be Empowered Be the Change” at the Vodafone Arena in Suva.

A total of 475 artisans across Fiji attended the event.

Assistant Minister for Women, Hon.


Veena Bhatnagar together with Permanent Secretary, Dr. J. Koroivueta at Training for Ciputra Trainees.

The Government of Japan, Saga Prefecture exchange workshop was held in Suva on the 15th of March, 2017.

This was an initiative from the Government of Japan to ensure potential link between women’s group and government partners.
Activity 3: Divisional Craft Show: 13 Provincial Craft Shows were held across the four divisions which is a build-up Programme for the National Women’s Expo Event.

The sales earned by Women at the Divisional Craft Shows is show in the following graph.

2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 30 Highlights of the Women Expo Event: • The total sales for the 3 days was $402,469.35.

• The Rural Women’s Fashion Show was a highlight as it showed the growing number of Fijian women participating in Fashion industry.
The National Women’s Expo laid the platform to showcase Women designer’s talents.

The Rural Women’s Fashion show provided more significance for the Expo Event.

• A total of 10 capacity building training was facilitated to Women’s Group focussing on packaging, labelling and handling.
Activity 5: Gender Responsive Budgeting The Department in collaboration with UN Women facilitated Gender Responsive Budgeting training to raise awareness to market vendors and municipal management level so that they are aware of the importance of including women at all levels of decision making process.
Thematic Area 2: Equal Participation in Decision Making Work in this thematic area continued with the aim to promote women in livelihood projects, women’s economic rights and self-reliance that will enable women to effectively contribute towards their household and community as a whole.

Activity 1: Leadership Training The Department coordinated a total of 8 leadership trainings with 138 participants across the Central and Northern Division.
Activity 2: Training of Trainers This training was conducted in partnership with Regional Resource Rights Team (RRRT) from Secretariat of the Pacific Communities.

Senior Staff of Department for Women were trained to acquire skills on how to facilitate trainings to women, men and youths in the communities.
Thematic Area 3: Elimination of Violence against Women and Children The Ministry is committed to achieving the goal of having ‘A Safer Community through the Elimination of Violence against Women and Children through working with service providers, communities and development agencies.
Activity 1: Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Activity 4: Service Delivery Protocol Consultation (ZTVFC) Program The Ministry conducted 3 Consultations around Fiji to develop a In collaboration with Key Stakeholders, 6 communities in the service protocol which will be standard protocol for responding Western and Central Division were declared violence Free.
A to cases of Gender based violence and Standard Operating total of 438 people were present to witness this event with 199 Procedures for Interagency Response Among Social Services, male and 239 female.

In addition, a total of 18 programs were Health and the Justice Sector.

Activity 5: National Domestic Violence Toll Free Helpline (1560) 2016 witnessed the establishment of the Domestic Violence Helpline.
Initially, from the signing of the Grants Agreement with Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, to manage and operate the DV Toll Free Helpline on September 16th, 2016.

This is followed by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) facilitated to ZTVFC ensuring that communities completed the required phases before declaration.

A total of 464 people reached of whom 202 were Male and 262 female.
Activity 2: Gender Based Violence Follow up Training to ZTVFC Eight (8) follow-up trainings were provided to community gatekeepers from declared communities to ensure they are up to date on all exiting legislation relevant to gender based violence.

Activity 3: Male advocacy Training The Department in collaboration with Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre facilitated Public Service Male Advocacy training and identified Community Male Advocate.

Four (4) Male Advocacy Training were attended by 94 participants.
2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 31 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 31 between the Telecommunication Companies Vodafone Fiji, Digicel and Telecommunication Fiji Limited on the 7th of March Activity 7: Ministry of Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation, Gender, GBV and Human Rights Training 2017.

The Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon.


Rear Admiral Voreqe The 4 day training (3-7 April, 2017) at the Novotel Hotel, Lami was Bainimarama launched the DV Toll Free Helpline number 1560 attended by 25 Ministry Staff from the respective Department during the International Women’s Day on March 8th.

and Divisions.
and Divisions.

The training coordinated by the Ministry in collaboration with the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre targeted at Activity 6: 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based increasing staff knowledge and understanding towards gender Violence roles & responsibilities.

Total number of Ministry participants The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence participated is 25; Males 12 and Females 13.

Campaign was observed on 25th November to 10th December.
The event aims to end violence against women and girls.

The Activity 8: Fiji Military Forces Training on Gender, GBV Ministry organised the programme with a national launch in and Human Rights Labasa on the 25th of November by the Minister for Women, The 5 day training officially opened by the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon.

Mereseini Vuniwaqa.

This Children & Poverty Alleviation, Hon.


Mereseini Vuniwaqa coincides with the Opening of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre highlighted the importance of gender and being sensitive to Labasa Branch.

gender issues.

Women have joined the military and the number continue to increase as from the ratio 1: 26 ten years ago to 1:10 currently.

Their roles have now included humanitarian support during disasters as well peace keeping where women and children are the most affected.
Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre coordinator Ms. Shamima Ali facilitated most the sessions from the 8th to the 12th of May.

Fiji Women’s Crisis center Legal Officer William Nainima facilitated the sessions on legal issues like Domestic Violence Act, Child Welfare Act and Family Law Act covering divorce, maintenance, matrimonial property, separation and the Crime Decree.

A total of 25 participants attended the Launching of the 16 Days of Activism in Labasa training with 4 females and 21 males.
Thematic Area 4: Access to Services Activity 1: Rocket Stove Training Activity 3: Sexual Reproductive Health Training (SHRT) The Rocket Stove program is a climate change and adaption Through the Programme the Ministry has been able to reach out initiative.
It provides knowledge to rural women on how climate to rural communities providing awareness sessions to men and change is affecting their food security and resources and how women on Sexual Reproductive Health and the importance of they can adapt to these changes.

using contraceptives and pap-smear testing.


Activity 2: Commissioning of Fiji Barefoot College Activity 4: REACH Awareness Program The commissioning of the college at Nadogo, Macuata was a The Programme was introduced through the collaboration of the milestone achievement for the Ministry as it is the first training Ministry in partnership with UNDP and Government of Japan.

The Centre for solar electrification.


This training center was REACH Programme raises awareness on the social, economic and commissioned by the Hon.

Prime Minister.

legal rights articulated in the 2013 Constitution of the Republic 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 32 of Fiji which provides access to services associated with these rights and also strengthens institutional capacity to deliver these services.
A mobile service delivery approach is undertaken to reach communities throughout Fiji with the focus to reach the furthest behind first.

A total of 54 villages were visited and 1,084 participants present during the REACH Awareness around Fiji.

Stakeholder Training on the contents of REACH program Thematic Area 5: Women and the Law The Department works towards ensuring that women are well educated and aware of their rights and have Access to Justice.
Activity 1: International Women’s Day Celebration Activity 3: CEDAW Awareness The theme for IWD celebration was “Be Bold to Change”.

The The CEDAW awareness sessions provides an opportunity for ministry organized various programmes throughout the four ordinary women to know what their human rights are and how divisions to celebrate International Women’s Day with the these rights are protected in the Constitution as well as other women of Fiji.

laws in Fiji.
laws in Fiji.

600 500 400 300 200 100 0 530 (Number of International Women’s Day Programs with Breakdown of Participants by Gender) 250 250 214 150 67 4 1 3 1 1 3 Central Division Eastern Division Western Division Northern Division No.
of Programs Male Female Activity 2: Commission on the Status of Women The sixty-first (61st) session on the Commission on the Status of Women took place in March (13th - 24th) at United Nations 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 (Number of CEDAW Awareness Session Participants split by Gender) 57 Male Participants Female Participants 35 29 28 28 23 23 18 14 11 2 Bavu village,Nadi Levukana Village, Vanuabalavu Naceva Village, Beqa Dreketi Village, Wailevu East, Cakaudrove 0 0 Bua Macuata 1 Nabobuco District at Naqelewai Village 16 0 Rakiraki Headquarters in New York (Theme: “Women’s Economic Activity 4: Gender Focal Officers Meeting Empowerment in the changing World of Work).
The 5 member Fijian Delegation was led by Hon.

Mereseini Vuniwaqa (Minister Meeting 2 for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation).
Meeting 1 6 (Gender Focal Officers Meeting by Gender) 18 2 3 0 5 10 15 20 Female Male Activity 5: National Gender Policy Awareness The objective of this program is to increase understanding of 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 33 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 33 gender, the social construction of gender, ways it influences continues to provide women with capacity building in terms the life of men and women, origins of discrimination and of sewing and sewing machine maintenance training as the National Gender Policy and its implementation.
A total illustrated in the graph.

of 7 awareness conducted involved Officers from various Government Ministries facilitated by the National Gender Policy Advisor, Mr. Glen Davies.

Activity 6: Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministerial Meeting The 11th Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministerial Meeting (WAMM) was held in Apia from 7-8 September 2016, hosted by the Government of Samoa on the theme of ‘Gender Equality through Sustainable Development in an Inclusive Commonwealth’.
The Permanent Secretary led the Fijian Delegation to Samoa for the 11th Commonwealth Meeting.

70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 62 62 (Training for Sewing Machine & Screen Printing and Sewing Machine Maintenance split by Gender) 30 30 27 27 31 31 6 6 10 7 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Nadogo WRC Nailaga, Ba Nairai Island Qoma Island Lutukina Rotuma Sewing & Screen Printing (Male) Sewing Machine Maintenance (Male) Sewing & Screen Printing (Female) Sewing Machine Maintenance (Female) The key highlights included: 1.
Ministers noted the recommendations in the ETR of the Commonwealth PoA for Gender Equality 2005-2015 and welcomed the four priority areas for action as follows: • Women’s Economic Empowerment • Women in Leadership • Ending Violence against Women and Girls • Women’s Land Rights and Climate Change Non-Governmental Grants Non-Government Organizations Grants (NGO Grants) are given to Women’s Organizations seeking assistance to facilitate capacity building trainings covered under the 5 thematic areas.
The Women’s Groups are to be registered under the Charitable Trust and have confirmed doing some empowerment programs 2.

Ministers agreed that the implementation of the four priority in the community.

areas may vary for different member states and requested the Secretariat to coordinate with member governments to identify their focus areas.

Activity 1: NGO Grants Distribution 3.


Ministers requested that the Commonwealth Secretariat A total of 7 women NGO’s were assisted in the year with funding provides an implementation Strategy for 2017-2020 and develop a monitoring and evaluation mechanism that uses the reporting framework of the SDGs.

for their activities.

This funding was instrumental in assisting the work that is carried out by these organizations for benefit of their members.
The following organizations were assisted with grants as highlighted on table below: Fiji Women’s Federation The Fiji Women’s Federation was established in 1999 as an extension for Department of Women.

The major function of FWF Advisory Committee is to advice the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation on Public Service Policy, Programs, Legislation and other emerging issues that impact women and gender.
Activity 1: Sewing Machine Distribution: This program assists women groups around Fiji to have a sustainable income generation avenue for their daily livelihood.

A total of 86 sewing machines were distributed in 2016 - 2017 to women’s group in the Central, Eastern and Western Division.
The Ministry $14,000 $12,000 $10,000 $8,000 $6,000 $4,000 $2,000 $0 (NGO Grants Distributed - FJD Dollars) $12,000 $12,196 $10,164 $4,339 $4,171 $1,275 Fiji Fashion Week Miss Fiji Pageant Fiji Hair Dresser Training Program Catholic Women’s League Shrest Mother’s Club Laucala Beach Women’s Club 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 34 Poverty Monitoring Unit “Reducing Poverty is Everybody’s Business” 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 35 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 35 The core responsibility of the Unit is to increase the Reports and findings were presented to the relevant line effectiveness of the Poverty Alleviation Programmes (PAP) agencies for their feedback.
Latter, policy briefs were which contributes to Government’s commitment towards generated and presented to the Permanent Secretary-WCPA reducing poverty and addressing the socio-economic and Honourable Minister for Women, Children & Poverty development needs of the people.

This is to ensure that Alleviation advising on the performance of Poverty Alleviation the implementers of PAP review and implement policies & Programmes and how it can be further improved.

processes to improve programme performance.


This aligns with the Unit’s key role to plan, manage and coordinate the implementation of national poverty reduction policies and programmes through the Integrated National Poverty Eradication Programme (INPEP) Framework.

Monitor, Evaluate and Report on the implementation of Integrated National Poverty Eradication Programme (INPEP) The Unit monitored fourteen (14) Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP) across seven (7) line Agencies.
This was carried out with the support of Programme Implementers and in consultation with Divisional Commissioners and District Offices in the Central, Western and Northern Divisions.

The following programmes were monitored: 1.

Ministry of Agriculture • Rural and Outer Islands Agriculture Development • Agricultural Extension Crops • Drainage and Flood Protection • Agricultural Marketing Authority 2.

Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport • Rural Electrification Programme 3.
Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Board • National Toppers Scheme • Tertiary Education Loan Scheme • Other Existing Scholarship Scheme 4.

Ministry of Local Government, Housing and environment • Housing Assistance Relief Trust (HART) • Squatter Upgrading and Resettlement 5.

Ministry of Lands & Mineral resources • Fiji Groundwater Assessment and Development Programme 6.

Ministry of rural and Maritime development and National disaster Management • Divisional Development Project • Rural Housing Assistance 7.
Ministry of Sugar • Upgrade of Cane Access Roads 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 36 Team PMU presenting findings of Upgrade of Cane Access Road Programme at FSC Conference room in Labasa to Field Officers.

Presentation of HART programme finding to CEO HART.

Poverty Alleviation Programme Success Stories Government continues to support people living in the rural communities that have lack of access to Government services.
The Unit interviewed identified beneficiaries of PAP to capture their views on how the Programme has impacted their livelihoods.
The Team adopted the innovative approach of recording and developing success stories on the following Poverty Alleviation Programmes: • Northern Development Programme • Tertiary Scholarship Schemes • Integrated Human Resource Development Programme • Coastal Fisheries Development Programme • National Women’s Expo Event Ratu Meli Loki of PMU capturing the views of recipient of Coastal Fisheries Development Programme, Natuvu Village, Cakaudrove Ms. Mereoni Tuimuru of PMU in consultation with Northern Development Programme Manager Mr. Waisale Tuidama 1.
Fiji Corrections Services Rehab Program | Yellow Ribbon Program | Poverty Alleviation Program 2.

Ministry of Youth & Sports Upgrade of Training Centers | Adult & Community Education | Youth Capacity Building Training Program | Rural Sports Ground Field | Construction of Rural Sports Complex 3.

Ministry of employment, Productivity & Industrial relations Attachment Allowance (NeC) Fiji Volunteer Scheme 4.
Ministry of Lands & Minerals resources Regularization of Informal Settlements | Land Bank Investment 5.

Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport Upgrade of Government Shipping Vessels | Rural Electrification Projects 6.

Ministry of Local Government, Housing & environment Social Housing Policy | Housing Assistance to Fire Victims | City Wide Squatter Upgrading Project 7.
Ministry of education, Heritage & Arts, Library Service and National Archives Literacy Programmes | Free Milk Programme Yr 1 | Bus Fare Subsidy | Tuition Fee Free Grant Yr 1-Yr 13 | Program for Blind, Intellectually & Physically Handicapped 8.

Office of the Prime Minister Funds for the Education of Needy Children 9.
Ministry of Health & Medical Services World Food Program | Free Medicine Program Poverty Information Centre (PIC) The PIC maintains information and data on Poverty Alleviation Programme across Government.

Updates of information and data relevant to the programmes are done on a quarterly basis through continuous consultation with programme 10.
Ministry of rural & Maritime development & National disaster Management Divisional Development Program – All Emergency Water Supplies | Upgrade of Non-Access Roads | Grant to Self-Help Projects | Rural Housing Assistance 11.

Ministry of Sugar implementers.

Upgrade of Cane Access Roads | Sugarcane Development & Farmers Implementers of relevant programmes 13.
Ministry of Industry, Trade & Tourism Integrated Human Resource Development Program | National Centre for Assistance 12. water Authority of Fiji Other Rural Water Supply Program Submit Data on a Quarterly Basis Small & Medium Enterprises (NCSMED) 14.

Fiji roads Authority Maintenance Programme | Upgrading and Replacement of Bridges-Bridge Renewals | Upgrading of Rural Roads 15.
Ministry of Agriculture Agricultural Extension Services | Maintenance of Completed Irrigation | Rice-Revitalization Program | Sigatoka Valley Development Program | Farm Access Roads | Rural & Outer Island Agricultural Development Program 16.

Ministry of Fisheries & Forests Coastal Fisheries Development | Aquaculture Development | Food Security The following is a list of programmes for which information Programme-Aquaculture were collected.
2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 37 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 37 Poverty Reduction Awareness on Government’s Poverty Alleviation Programmes The Unit continuous to strengthen its partnership with stakeholders through various Government Outreach Programmes.
The Unit took part in the Ministry of i-Taukei Affair’s road-show in Dranikula Village, Galoa, Navua (20th - 21st July) and Fiji Pine Trust Board Compound, Lautoka (25th - 26th July) to create awareness on various Government programmes under INPEP Framework aimed at reducing poverty.

Training Highlights The Unit continued to emphasize the importance of training in enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of its Human Capital.
Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) training facilitated by University of the South Pacific (USP), 5th – 6th July, 2017 was attended by the Team.
2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 38 Corporate Services Department “Provides administrative, human resource management and financial support to the Ministry” 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 39 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 39 The Corporate Services Department provides administrative, human resource management and financial support to the Ministry for the effective and efficient daily operational functions.
Administration Section and Human Resource Management The Ministry aligns its policies, regulations to the Civil Service requirement to ensure its operations are well guided and in accordance to appropriate guidelines in the following areas: • Human Resource Planning • Post Processing Unit • Training Section • Registry Section • Transport Unit • Occupational Health and Safety • Asset Management Unit Job Evaluation Exercise: Through the on-going civil service reform programmes, the Unit undertook two phases of Job Evaluation Exercise to define positions based pay & remuneration.
Staffing: Disagregated Data (Ministry of women, Children & Poverty Alleviation) Total Gender Split for Ministry: DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE TOTAL NUMBER OF MALE TOTAL NUMBER OF FEMALE TOTAL 38% 62% DIVISION NORTHERN WESTERN: North West South West SOUTHERN EASTERN CENTRAL NASINU JUVENILE 213 130 Total Staff (Social Welfare): 219 Northern Division: 25 Western Division: 49 Southern Division: 18 Eastern Division: 5 Central Division: 14 Nasinu: 9 Juvenile: 19 Old Peoples Home: 63 DoSW HQ: 11 Child Services: 6 OLD PEOPLES HOME: Lautoka Samabula Labasa DoSW HEADQUARTERS CHILD SERVICES 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / Gender Split for Ministry departments: DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN Information Technology 6 1 Administration 8 9 Accounts 9 3 Executive Support Unit 7 Poverty Monitoring Unit 6 10 6 Department of Women 47 12 Department of Social Welfare 130 89 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Department of Social Welfare Department of Women Poverty Monitoring Unit Executive Support Unit Accounts Administration Information Technology | Male: 89 Female: 130 | Male: 12 Female: 47 | Male: 6 Female: 6 | Male: 10 Female: 7 | Male: 3 Female: 9 | Male: 9 Female: 8 | Male: 1 Female: 6 DIVISION NORTHERN WESTERN EASTERN CENTRAL FIJI WOMEN’S FEDERATION DoW HEADQUARTERS TOTAL NUMBER OF MALE 1 1 2 2 TOTAL NUMBER OF FEMALE 10 9 4 11 2 4 4 9 TOTAL 11 10 6 13 6 13 DIVISION MAIN OFFICE DIVISION MAIN OFFICE DIVISION MAIN OFFICE DIVISION MAIN OFFICE POVERTY MONITORING UNIT TOTAL NUMBER OF MALE 6 TOTAL NUMBER OF FEMALE 6 TOTAL 12 EXECUTIVE SUPPORT UNIT TOTAL NUMBER OF MALE 10 TOTAL NUMBER OF FEMALE 7 TOTAL 17 ACCOUNTS TOTAL NUMBER OF MALE 3 TOTAL NUMBER OF FEMALE 9 TOTAL 12 ADMINISTRATION TOTAL NUMBER OF MALE 9 TOTAL NUMBER OF FEMALE 8 TOTAL 17 Gender Split for Ministry: 62% INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) 38% DIVISION MAIN OFFICE TOTAL NUMBER OF MALE 1 TOTAL NUMBER OF FEMALE 6 TOTAL 7 Accounts Section During the fiscal year 2016-2017, the Unit carried out the
 following: Management of payments through: • Payment to social welfare beneficiaries and service providers • Closing of 2016-2017 Accounts • Meeting the Ministry’s financial requirements Monitoring and Compliance through: • Adhere to financial regulations through provision of financial statements to Ministry of Economy (salary reconciliation, bank reconciliation & petty cash, IDC, Drawings and Trust • In compliance to Finance Instructions and Circulars • Answering Audit Queries 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 41 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 41 About Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion (REACH) for rural and Urban Fijians Project The REACH Project The project aims to promote peace building, social cohesion and inclusiveness.
Project conducts awareness raising of the social, economic and legal rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji, provides access to the services associated with these rights, and also strengthens institutional capacity to deliver these services.

A mobile service delivery approach is undertaken to reach communities throughout all of Fiji with the focus to reach the furthest behind first.
The Sustainable Development Goals The REACH Project supports the achievement of Goal 16 which is commitment to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels; and Goal 5 which is commitment to achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls.

Key Results The project aims to accomplish the following key results: 1.
Increased awareness in urban, rural and maritime communities, of constitutional rights in the areas of social and economic wellbeing and justice, focusing on legal aid, through the provision of mobile teams.

2.

Enhanced delivery of the services provided by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and the Legal Aid Commission through the provision of mobile teams visiting urban, rural and maritime communities.

3.
3.

Strengthened capacity of the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and the Legal Aid Commission through support to strategic planning, monitoring of results and support of coordination for effective and coordinated service delivery to urban, rural and maritime communities.

4.
4.

Policy making informed and based on evidence through research and analysis on the relevant areas related to the empowerment of women and girls, promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provision of access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions.
2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 42 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 42 Commissioning of the REACH Mobile Units On the 12th of April, 2017 three custom built buses were commissioned at Albert Park in Suva by the Minister of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Hon.

Mereseini Vuniwaqa, H. E. Takuji Hanatani, Ambassador of Japan, Osnat Lubrani, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative and Mr. Shahin Rafique Ali, Acting Director, Legal Aid Commission.
The buses are custom designed and equipped to support the Government to undertake effective service delivery to rural and urban communities in Fiji, leaving no one behind – be it a child, an elderly person or a person living with disabilities.

There are 2 buses which are 11.5 meters and the other is 9 meters in length.

The buses are stationed in the Northern, Central and Western Division respectively.
Ministry of Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation Legal Aid Commission 1 2 Awareness of Rights 1 Access to Legal Services Institutional Capacity 2 Research & Analysis To Support ▶ Peaceful and inclusive society ▶ Access to justice for all ▶ Effective and accountable institutions SuSTAInAblE Development 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 43 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 43 July 2016 – June 2017 (REACH) Division Province District Communities Women Men Child Total Participants Women Services Men Services TOTAL SERVICES Naitasiri, Tailevu, Rewa, Namosi Kadavu Lomaiviti Cakaudrove, Bua, Macuata Nadroga/ Navosa, Ba Central Eastern Northern Western TOTal* * This table covers 11 Provinces.
Women Men Child Women Services Men Services Central Eastern Northern Western Central Eastern Northern Western Division Province District Communities Women Men Child Total Participants Women Services Men Services TOTAL SERVICES Central Eastern Northern Western TOTal* Naitasiri, Rewa, Serua, Tailevu, Namosi Lau, Kadavu Lomaiviti & Rotuma Ba, Ra, Nadroga/ Navosa Cakaudrove, Bua, Macuata 13 24 20 17 74 * This table covers 14 Provinces & Rotuma.
Women Men Child Women Services Men Services Central Eastern Northern Western Central Eastern Northern Western 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 44 Annual Report 2017 Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Headquarters: 5th Floor, Civic Towers, Victoria Parade, Suva Find us on Facebook: Ministry of Women, Children & Poverty Alleviation Website: www.mwcpa.gov.fj 2016 / 2017 ANNUAL REPORT / 46