A CHIEF from the district of Udu in Macuata has applauded the Ministry of Women for promoting the importance of a non-violent community.
Sauvou kei Udu, Ratu Emori Waqanivalu, said even though men had always supported their wives over the years, such initiatives of the Zero Tolerance Violence Free Community Program was imperative in villages.
Minister for Women Doctor Jiko Luveni launched the program at Nabouono Village on Friday.
Ratu Emori assured the ministry that the program would be observed and followed by the men in the district.
"Au sa marau saraga ni sa mai biu vei eitou na parokaramu me taqomai ina o ira a marama ei ira a lalai mai veiso na itovo 'au'auwa e dau va'ayacori tu vei ira (I am so happy that the program has been launched to protect women and children from abuse)."
And he has vowed to see that it works in the village of Nabouono and observed by nearby villages.
Ratu Emori said he would work closely with the committee assigned to monitor the program.