THE protection of women and children in the province of Cakaudrove has been observed by men in the province, says roko tui Cakaudrove Ro Aca Mataitini.
His comment follows feedback from 135 village headmen highlighting change in attitude by men of the villages.
"There has been positive change with the attitude of men and even young boys who have prioritised the protection of children and women," Ro Aca said.
"But at the same time, we won't be too complacent with the feedback from village headmen and we will continue to work in prioritising the protection of women and children in Cakaudrove," he said.
"I feel that is important and we have taken that commitment through having a village in Cakaudrove declared a zero-tolerance area for violence against women and children last year," he added.
Ro Aca said the village headmen had informed him of how most couples in the villages now resolved issues through dialogue instead of violence.
The village of Vunivesi, outside Savusavu Town took that step as part of joint efforts with the Ministry of Women.
The declaration meant that no man in the village was allowed to assault any woman or child. Villagers made the decision to protect women and children at a village meeting of elders.
Ro Aca said other villages in the province had observed the plea from his office for women and children to be protected at all times.