P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Advocates for Pacific Women and Girls
With support from Pasefika Proud, P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A successfully delivered a number of initiatives designed to help keep Pacific women and girls safe.
- A Wellbeing Report elevated voices of Pacific women in Aotearoa New Zealand – experiences, both good and bad, and aspirations for the future.
- Raising Awareness around family violence prevention.
- Young PACIFICA Proud aimed to inspire and mobilise ‘Young PACIFICA’
WELLBEING REPORT
As a result of a targeted online survey facilitated by P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A the ‘A Wellbeing Report’ was published and made publicly available late 2023. The report speaks to the resilience of Pacific women and how far they have come. It celebrates progress, reflects on the past, and acknowledges the path ahead. The report is published and available HERE on the Pasefika Proud website and widely shared. Read more on this initiative - Being heard – voices from Pacific women and girls
RAISING AWARENESS
P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A has continued to grow as a national organisation since its formation in 1976 with 21 branches established and a new branch from Timaru going through the registration process. Over the past 12 months, P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A branches from Whangarei in the north to Invercargill in the south delivered activities around family violence prevention. Topics included family violence prevention, keeping women and girls safe, cyber violence, strong relationships, and safety plans. Among the positives highlighted by different areas of the country were;
P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A, Auckland Central Branch - the theme of 'we are born from beauty' was so participants would recognise their inherent worth, dignity and cultural richness, all of which help shape their Pacific identities. Those involved said they valued the connection between their cultural values, language, and identity, recognising them as sources of strength and harmony.
P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Wellington Central Branch- two events, a breakfast and self-defence classes were popular with Pacific women saying the events helped them learn about building strength within themselves as a Pacific person. Mindful of the possible triggering nature of the topics being discussed, the organisation ensured a Pacific counsellor was also on hand.
P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Christchurch Branch - a two-day workshop called “Creating Peaceful Pathways” was held with a focus on alternatives to violence. Participants reported significant positive change to communication, conflict resolution and self-awareness.
P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Whangarei Branch - a workshop on keeping women and girls safe from harm helped participants identify some of the tools they would need, such as learning about local support available to them, 0800- numbers and talking with trusted people if they had concerns.
P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Invercargill Branch – a workshop focused on how key women could access support through agencies and the local women’s refuge. Information was discussed on how to get out of abusive relationships and how to access appropriate support if they, or a family member, experienced rape, or sexual abuse. The branch also held a self-defence workshop for women to learn how to protect themselves.
P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Aro’a Tunoa Branch (Porirua) – a workshop focused on overcoming trauma to living your best life. Guest speakers who had experienced violence in their lives and community, resonated with the audience. The aim was to identify the risk factors and protective factors that keep women and girls safe from family harm. Participants felt safe sharing within their groups and some recommendations were developed on what the local PACIFICA branches could do to further raise awareness of family violence prevention.
A inaugural ‘National PACIFICA Youth Retreat’ took place at Waikanae on the Kapiti Coast in June, with 57 participants. One of the highlights was a workshop presented by Dr Jean Mitaera where those present learnt about 'harmful digital communications'. They discussed how on-screen social media engagements could result in psychological violence and sometimes escalate to physical violence.
At the ‘National PACIFICA Conference’ in Palmerston North in February 2024, youth members held their own workshop. Responses from the two events promoted key messages relating to youth, including the realisation that there was no obligation to stay in unsafe relationships.
The National Executive of PACIFICA is very thankful for the continued support of Pasefika Proud enabling the organisation to engage and promote important key messaging to our PACIFICA members and local Pacific communities about keeping our Pacific women and girls safe.
Pasefika Proud is supportive of initiatives which promote and socialise its key messages and work. The mahi undertaken by PACIFICA culminating these outcomes supports and aids in the delivery of initiatives involving talanoa with Pacific women and girls around how they keep themselves safe, strong, prosperous, and resilient.
ABOUT P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A
P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. (Pacific Allied (Women’s) Council Inspires Faith in Ideals Concerning All Incorporated) is a non-profit community organisation that was founded in 1976 with a network of branches throughout Aotearoa-New Zealand. Our 22 branches operate in our three designated regions: Northern, Central and Southern.
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