gender-based violence

The 50-year-old told SVSG that he became unemployed and could not provide for his family when he was diagnosed with an illness.

His eldest son aged 21 found employment close to home, earning minimum wages that supported his siblings’ daily needs, and the father’s medicine.

And his wife became another breadwinner, and things started to get back to normal.

According to SVSG, the elderly father revealed that his wife went to work and left her family for another man.

Giving the keynote address at a Catechesis retreat at Leauva'a, Chief Justice Satiu lamented the increase in cases before the court of violence and sexual crime against women.

Chief Justice Satiu said there are far too many men who think it's ok to hit and beat women because they make them angry.

"We are fathers, husbands and fathers must show humanity for our wives, partners and children. They are people and not possessions owned by us."

Although the Pacific has largely been spared by the spread of the disease relative to other regions around the world – with Fiji hardest hit of the six countries the UN Women’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls programme works in, at 18 confirmed cases – all of which have since been cleared, and several countries without a recorded a case so far – the economic and social consequences have been deep.

Pacific Fashion Festival 2016 has been described as the spectacle of art, design and history translated into fashion and this year will bring 12 designers, 45 models and 84 looks.

It will be a “show not to be missed”, according to the organisers, who have notched it up higher, bringing the event to an exclusive venue, at The Edge, Stanley Place, South Brisbane.

Also, behind the PFF lies a higher purpose and vision.