Sanctuary Shelter for Women was the successful nominated project at the Conference of Clubs held in Sydney in 2016. The object of the project was to build the first ever female refuge home in Fiji, a place where women and children could find sanctuary during disasters or domestic violence. Soroptimists are an optimistic bunch and against many obstacles, the project was approved to be continued in the 2016-2018 Biennium and did not come to fruitition until mid 2020.
Over the 4 years, plans had to be redrawn to ensure the building was of the hightest standard to meet cyclone building compliances, a MOU with the Fijian government was to be brokered. The Fijian government kindly donated the land on which the home was to be built, and finally work commenced and Soroptimists were excited to watch the progress.
Project Vision
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.
Project Manager: Maria Doton
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Making a house a home
What began as an idea which was presented at the Conference of Clubs in Sydney in 2016 and was voted on by you as Club Members of SISWP as our Federation Project for 2016 ' 2018 and then again continued by President Anusha for 2018 ' 2020 has finally come to fruition. After 4 years I am delighted to advise that the First Sanctuary: Shelter for Women building has been finished.
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Sanctuary Shelter for Women Fiji Progress Update
Read important updates on Federation Project Sanctuary Shelter for Women from Past President and Federation Project Liaison Theresa Lyford.
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Our SISWP Federation Project ' “Sanctuary: Shelter for Women” in Fiji is about to commence building SISWP's first Shelter in Lautoka. SISWP Project Manager Dr Maria Doton was recently at the site with the Surveryor and Building Contractor for the pegging out the boundary of the property reading for final clearing, levelling of the land and checking of the building plans.
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It's Official - Sanctuary: Shelter for Women Fiji - Building Contract Signed
On 20th May 2019 the official signing of the Building Contract for Fiji Sanctuary Shelters took place between SISWP and Aggregate Solutions (Builder).
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Read the latest news about the Sanctuary: Shelter for Women, Federation of the South West Pacific current 2-year project.
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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.
![Read More](/<h3>Making a house a home</h3>
<p>What began as an idea which was presented at the Conference of Clubs in Sydney in 2016 and was voted on by you as Club Members of SISWP as our Federation Project for 2016 ' 2018 and then again continued by President Anusha for 2018 ' 2020 has finally come to fruition. After 4 years I am delighted to advise that the First Sanctuary: Shelter for Women building has been finished.</p>
<p>From humble beginnings of a vacant block of land, to working with the Fijian Government and the Ministry for Women and Children on a Memorandum of Understanding. The house has been completed. </p>
<p>But, our work is not done yet…. We still need your help for the next few months to furnish the Shelter and to enable fencing to be finalised and some ground maintenance to be undertaken before we are able to hand over the finished Shelter to the Fijian Ministry for Women and Children.</p>
<p>This has been such an exciting outcome for SISWP and to see a finished building in the current economic climate is an outstanding achievement for each and every one of us as members of SISWP. Please also join with me in congratulating our SI Fiji sisters who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that all the requirements for building, regulatory items and local council requirements have occurred and special thanks to PE Suman Lal, SI Fiji NR Veema Sharma, Dr Maria Doton and all the Clubs in Fiji who have enabled our SISWP Federation Project 2016-2020 come to fruition</p>
<p><span style="color: #800080; font-size: 14pt;">The beautiful interior of this house now needs to be turned into a home. Help make this a true Sanctuary for families escaping domestic violence.</span></p>
<p><img src="images/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women/37e59cab-d28f-48d0-829a-6139b80dd6d0.JPG" alt="37e59cab d28f 48d0 829a 6139b80dd6d0" width="300" height="225" style="float: left;" /><br style="clear: both;" /> </p>
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<p><img src="images/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women/IMG-c5a6362bc7b25d1dd273456e713ac258-V.jpg" alt="IMG c5a6362bc7b25d1dd273456e713ac258 V" width="300" height="225" style="float: left;" /><br style="clear: both;" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="images/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women/5c558fdd-e253-4116-924f-efbddedb76b4.JPG" alt="5c558fdd e253 4116 924f efbddedb76b4" width="300" height="400" style="float: left;" /><br style="clear: both;" /></p>
<p> <img src="images/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women/446ff215-4443-4107-bc48-799a1b6dcb05.JPG" alt="446ff215 4443 4107 bc48 799a1b6dcb05" width="300" height="400" style="float: left;" /><br style="clear: both;" /></p>
<h2> Sanctuary Shelter: almost ready to welcome women and children</h2>
<p>The Sanctuary Shelter for Women is in its final stages as a Federation Project. We are now so close to the end of this project that the reality is, it is getting quite exciting! President Suman and Project Manager Maria had a successful meeting with the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Honourable Meresaini Vuniwaqa at Waterfront Hotel in Lautoka. Present were our SISWP President Suman Lal, NR Tasneen Ali, Maria Doton and some Club members.</p>
<p><strong>Fijian Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Honourable Meresaini Vuniwaqa visits the home.</strong></p>
<p>Furiture has been installed. Just look at how inviting the house is for women and children</p>
<p><img src="images/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women/IMG-5403_red.jpg" alt="IMG 5403 red" width="400" height="300" style="float: left;" /><br style="clear: both;" /></p>
<p><img src="images/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women/IMG-5404_red.jpg" alt="IMG 5404 red" width="400" height="300" style="float: left;" /><br style="clear: both;" /></p>
<p><img src="images/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women/IMG-5405_red.jpg" alt="IMG 5405 red" width="400" height="300" style="float: left;" /><br style="clear: both;" /></p>
<p><img src="images/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women/IMG-5406._red.jpg" alt="IMG 5406. red" width="400" height="300" style="float: left;" /><br style="clear: both;" /></p>
<p>They discussed the preparation of the MOU, Boundry Fencing and basic equipment for the Shelter. The Minister has assured that the MOU will be sent to President Suman soon for approval. President Suman was also advised that once the Boundry Fencing and basic equipment is ready the handover will be done with the Government. They also discussed the programs which will be carried from the shelter by SI Fiji Region. Exciting news was that Project Manager Maria has acquired a donor for the steel for fencing which will be erected to keep our beautiful Sanctuary building safe from squatters and vandals.</p>
<p>The wonderful support and contributions we have received from you all have enabled us to have the Sanctuary built and all we now need to do is finalise the documentation to sign the building over to the Fijian Government. Then and only then can the Sanctuary truly become a reality. That reality is to provide a safe haven for women and their children to escape the tragedy of domestic violence. At this Sanctuary the Government will be able to provide services and amenities to the women and their children, and our Soroptimist Sisters in Fiji have taken up the next phase of the project to provide skills training to better enable the women to be able to embrace life and move forward in their society women, and not just victims of domestic violence.</p>
<p>Hopefully, the finalisation of the Contract will be forthcoming in the next two months and while those of us who had hoped to travel to the signing ceremony is doubtful, our Sisters in Fiji will be there to represent us all.</p>
<p>Seeking donations to help furnish the home, this house needs to be a welcome retreat for the women and children. </p>
<p class="btn btn-primary"><strong><span style="color: #ffffff;"><a href="donate/siswp-federation-project-2016-2020-sanctuary-shelter-for-women.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: #ffffff;">Donate Now</a></span></strong></p>
<p> </p>){kind=link}
![Read More](/<h3>Sanctuary Shelter for Women Fiji Progress Update</h3>
<p>Read important updates on Federation Project Sanctuary Shelter for Women from Past President and Federation Project Liaison Theresa Lyford.</p>
<h4>September 2018</h4>
<p>The walls are now halfway completed on top of the concrete slab and according to the building foreman, they should reach beam height next week.</p>
<p>Electrical and plumbing works are also progressing well with the construction.</p>
<p>More updates to come as we closely follow the exciting progress of this project.</p>
<p><strong>Call out to all Clubs and Regions! What part of this new Sanctuary Shelter will your Club be fundraising for?</strong></p>
<p>Perhaps a new front door? Beds and chairs? Or kitchen equipment to enable women to cook meals?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="images/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women_Fiji_Progress_.jpg" alt="Sanctuary Shelter for Women Fiji Progress " width="400" height="300" style="float: left;" /><br style="clear: both;" /></p>
<p><strong>Update </strong></p>
<p>The inside walls of our first SISWP Sanctuary Shelter for Women have now been plastered and the undercoat painting is commencing, It is really coming together quickly now. The plastering of the outside walls of the shelter is now being finalised and Veena Sharma our SWP National Representative for Fiji has chosen the tiling for the floor and washing areas. Our building contractor is hopeful to complete the building before the 31st of December, 2019! We will continue to keep you updated!</p>
<p><img src="images/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women/Shelter_progress_picture_December_2019.JPG" alt="Shelter progress picture December 2019" width="500" height="281" style="float: left;" /><br style="clear: both;" /></p>
<p><img src="images/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women/Sanctuary_Shelter_Portal_Image_Resize.jpg" alt="Sanctuary Shelter Portal Image Resize" width="533" height="361" class="floatleft" /></p>
<p>The Building of the Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific Federation Project, Sanctuary: Shelter for Women, is almost finished. There are just some minor matters and finishing touches prior to the finalisation of the construction process and the next big task is furnishing of the building so that it will be ready for use when it will be handed over to the Ministry of Women in the Fiji Government ' date to be advised soon.</p>
<p>Help is still needed from Clubs for further funding to enable us to complete the furnishing task. This is your project (voted on at Conference of Clubs 2016 in Sydney, and agreement to continue at the Conference of Clubs in 2018 in Melbourne). On behalf of the Sanctuary project team I would like to thank those Clubs across the Federation who have made generous donations towards this important stage of the project ' especially to the Clubs in Singapore, New Zealand Victoria and New South Wales and friends of Clubs in Fiji, who embraced our call to action late last year to raise funds for furnishing and furniture.</p>
<p>Members who attended the Conference of Clubs in 2016 might remember that the vision for this project in Fiji was for a further 5 Shelters to be built (6 in total) and this was the longer-term plan. The initial building was for the Federation Project 2016-18, 2018-20, as this was felt to be a more realistic goal to achieve. Our Soroptimist sisters in Fiji have worked very hard to bring this current building to fruition, and it has been a very long journey with many challenges to overcome.</p>
<p>The Clubs in Fiji have embraced the next stage of the project which is focussed on providing services through community engagement projects ' working with the Ministry of Women to achieve training and skills development for the women who spend time at the Shelter to enable them to build better lives for themselves and children.</p>
<p>Some possibilities for where we go from here with the project could include;</p>
<p>The investigation of using Corporate Donors to work with the Clubs in Fiji to source funding for further Shelter buildings. We have had very initial discussions with Soroptimist International President Sharon Fisher, and how we might propose this as a project through the SI President's Appeal-Road to Equality for perhaps the completion of another home in another location in Fiji. Our Current Project Manager Dr Maria Doton wishes to continue managing the project and any other National Project that may occur in relation to this activity in Fiji. Dr Maria Doton has built up wonderful relationships with local government agencies, local businesses and City Councils and is also very closely associated with Ministry of Women and we have just heard that SI Sigatoka has received a Grant from Fiji Women's' Fund where an application was sought for Economic and Empowering/Life Skilling programs from the Shelter Homes as well.</p>
<p>There are many valuable activities and ideas being put forward to provide the sustainability of this project, the Sanctuary for Shelter building and community engagement and all will be reviewed to work towards the next stage of this wonderful project.</p>
<p>For now, we are in our final stages of organising the Contract and MOU for the handover of our building to the Fijian Ministry of Women and planning is focussed on this activity and for an Opening Ceremony and Official Handover in the next couple of months. Please watch this space, continue to undertake fundraising for the fit-out of the building so that when we go to Conference of Clubs 2020 in May, you will be able to see the outcomes of all the hard work and fundraising that has occurred thus far to bring Sanctuary: Shelter for Women in Lautoka, Fiji to fruition.</p>
<p><em>Theresa Lyford</em><br /><strong>Past President 2016-2018</strong><br /><strong>Federation Project Liaison</strong></p>){kind=link}
![Read More](/<p>Our SISWP Federation Project ' “Sanctuary: Shelter for Women” in Fiji is about to commence building SISWP's first Shelter in Lautoka. SISWP Project Manager Dr Maria Doton was recently at the site with the Surveryor and Building Contractor for the pegging out the boundary of the property reading for final clearing, levelling of the land and checking of the building plans.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><br /><img src="images/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women_boundary_pegs.jpg" alt="Sanctuary Shelter for Women boundary pegs" width="300" height="225" style="margin: 10px 30px 0px 10px; float: left;" />This is an exciting time for our Federation Project which has taken some time to get off the ground but we will soon see the first building begin to take shape.</p>
<p>SISWP Project Manager Dr Maria Doton was recently at the site with the Surveryor and Building Contractor for the pegging out the boundary of the property reading for final clearing, levelling of the land and checking of the building plans.</p>
<p>As your Federation Project Liaison working with the team in Fiji, I would like to ask our Clubs across the Federation to help us out by incorporating some of your local fundraising activities to also go towards this much needed project in Fiji.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Regards</p>
<p><em>Theresa Lyford</em><br /><strong>SISWP IPP and Federation Project Liaison</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<h4> </h4>
<p><img src="images/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women.jpg" alt="Sanctuary Shelter for Women" width="400" height="225" style="float: left;" /><br style="clear: both;" /></p>
<p><br style="clear: both;" /></p>){kind=link}
.</p>
<p><img src="images/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women/Final_1.jpg" alt="Final 1" width="400" height="225" style="margin: 10px 30px 10px 10px; float: left;" />SISWP authorized signatories were two Directors ' President-Elect Suman Lal and National Representative for Fiji Veena Sharma along with Federation Project Manager, Maria Doton in attendance.</p>
<p>The cyclone season in Fiji is officially over, so we can now commence the construction of our first Shelter Building. This project has been a long time in planning and contract negotiations, but the Federation Project team is delighted that the building can commence and we aim for the completion of the first shelter, including fitted out ready for occupancy, later this year.</p>
<p>Please add this important and vital Federation Project to you Fundraising activities as the women in Fiji need this important Sanctuary as we work with the Fijian authorities to reduce the incidences of Domestic Violence and ensure that the women and children have a safe haven to escape to as they are supported to rebuild their lives and futures.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>SISWP Federation Project 2016-2020 ' Sanctuary: Shelter for Women</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Picture on previous page: From Left Jitendra Prasad, the Foreman of Aggregate Solutions, Cecilia Sanchez, Maria Doton, Faiz Jan, Managing Director of Aggregate Solutions, Veena Sharma and Suman Lal. </span></p>
<p> </p>){kind=link}
![Read More](/<p>Read the latest news about the Sanctuary: Shelter for Women, Federation of the South West Pacific current 2-year project. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><span style="color: #99cc00;"><em><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">When there is no one else to turn to....</span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #99cc00;"><em><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> When there is no where else to go.....</span></em></span></p>
<p><img src="images/stories/Logos/sanctuary_-_shelter_for_women_logo2.png" alt="sanctuary shelter for women logo2" width="580" height="43" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p class="btn btn-default"><a href="donate/siswp-federation-project-2016-2020-sanctuary-shelter-for-women.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> DONATE NOW</strong></a></p>
<p class="h4"><br />Project News - Update </p>
<p><strong>30th August 2018</strong></p>
<p><img src="images/News/MOUSigning_2.jpg" alt="MOUSigning 2" width="278" height="208" style="margin: 10px 20px 2px 10px; float: left;" /></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="images/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women/Groundbreaking_1.jpg" alt="Groundbreaking 1" width="300" height="225" style="margin: 2px 20px 10px 10px; float: left;" /></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Listen to Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific President 2018-2020 <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/anusha.santhirasthipam/videos/10156473328338614/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anusha Santhirasthipam speech here.</a></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="images/Sanctuary_Shelter_for_Women/Sanctuary_Collage_Images.jpg" alt="Sanctuary Collage Images" width="700" height="235" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>30th July 2018</strong></p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>We are now preparing for the official events comprising a formal Signing Ceremony and Groundbreaking Ceremony in the last week of August in Fiji.</p>
<p>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 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/soroptimistsouthwestpacific/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SISWP Facebook page.</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<hr />
<p><strong>President Anusha Santhirasthipam</strong> announced at the Conference of Clubs 2018, that the <em>Sanctuary: Shelter for Women</em> project would continue as the Federation Project for the next 2 years. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>In the meantime, your donations are important to use, there are still two more homes to be built and every dollar is required.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="images/stories/Projects/Federation_Project/lautoka_vacant_land_WTS.jpg" alt="lautoka vacant land WTS" width="425" height="239" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p><span style="color: inherit; font-size: 18px;">Why do this project?</span></p>
<p>Fiji is ranked 4th in the world in terms of Violence. </p>
<p>It is very prone to natural disasters, in particular flooding and cyclones.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p class="h4">What will the project accomplish?</p>
<p><img src="images/stories/Projects/Federation_Project/Project_Sanctuary_Brochure_image_1.jpg" alt="Project Sanctuary Brochure image 1" width="180" height="314" style="margin-right: 25px; float: left;" /></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">The </span> 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, </p>
<p>kitchen, bathroom, toilet and an office. </p>
<p>The office wlll be a dedicated space for ongoing counselling, training, and education, and access to support services.</p>
<p><br />Want to find out more?</p>
<p>Project Liaison: Theresa Lyford Email: <a href="mailto:swpfederationprojectliaison@siswp.org" target="_blank">Theresa Lyford</a></p>
<p>Project Manager: Maria Doton Email: <a href="mailto:swpprojectmanager@siswp.org">Maria Doton</a></p>
<p> </p>){kind=link}
![Read More](/<p> </p>
<p><strong>President Anusha Santhirasthipam</strong> announced at the Conference of Clubs 2018, that the <em>Sanctuary: Shelter for Women</em> project would continue as the Federation Project for the next 2 years. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>In the meantime, your donations are important to use, there are still two more homes to be built and every dollar is required.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="images/stories/Projects/Federation_Project/lautoka_vacant_land_WTS.jpg" alt="lautoka vacant land WTS" width="425" height="239" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="btn btn-default"> </p>
<hr />
<p><strong>30th July 2018</strong></p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>We are now preparing for the official events comprising a formal Signing Ceremony and Groundbreaking Ceremony in the last week of August in Fiji.</p>
<p>We will bring all the news LIVE to you when it happens. Look out for and share further updates.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>){kind=link}