RESEARCH
TRANSGENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE RESEARCH
Gender-Based Violence Against the Transgender Community in the Pacific is significantly underreported. Transgender women who do not conform to societal expectations regarding sexuality and gender presentation find themselves at a heightened risk of experiencing violence, often stemming from their sexual orientation or gender identity. Reliable statistics detailing the extent of violence against transgender individuals are scarce, largely because many victims choose not to report these crimes to law enforcement agencies due to well-founded fears and a pervasive sense of distrust toward those systems. Haus of Khameleon firmly believes that in order to improve the existing structures and responses in Fiji and the wider Pacific region, it is critical to examine gender-based violence through an intersectional analysis that specifically addresses the unique vulnerabilities faced by transgender women resulting from their sexuality and gender identity. To achieve meaningful progress in this area, the transgender community itself must take the lead in planning, designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating these crucial responses. This year, with the generous support from FRIDA's Young Feminist Fund, the European Union, UN Women Pacific, and the Fiji Women's Rights Movement (FWRM), Haus of Khameleon will be undertaking an unprecedented and groundbreaking research initiative focused on trans women's experiences of violence and their access to justice. This initiative will be conducted in collaboration with a dedicated consultant and our esteemed partners. Ultimately, the insights gained from this research will equip Haus of Khameleon to engage effectively with government officials, policymakers, civil society partners, and law enforcement agencies, thereby facilitating the development of impactful national legislation, informed policies, and programs aimed at preventing and addressing violence against transgender women.UN Women's support to HOK is in addition to funding for technical support for FWRM's research to examine access to justice more broadly for women in Fiji. This research aims to identify barriers that women face in accessing services relating to security, protection and justice - including women’s experiences with the Family Law Act, Domestic Violence and Crimes Acts - and to ultimately foster an enabling environment for improved access to justice.
The research is one component of the broader EU project Balancing the Scales: Improving Fijian Women's Access to Justice Project launched in 2016. It is being implemented by Fiji Women's Rights Movement, FemLINKPACIFIC and providing support to Haus of Khameleon and DIVA.
RESEARCH LAUNCH
The official launch of the project " Balancing the Scales: Improving Fijian Women's Access to Justice" in May 2016 and was attended by members of the judiciary, civil society, and the development sector. Haus of Khameleon will receive support under this project to implement its Research on GBV.
RESEARCH DESIGN WORKSHOP
At the Research Design Workshop with UN Women, FWRM, Haus of Khameleon Research Team and the Research Consultant. May 4th 2017.
At the Research Design Workshop with UN Women, FWRM, Haus of Khameleon Research Team and the Research Consultant. May 4th 2017. Click here for photo album.
RESEARCH SCOPING ACTIVITY
Haus of Khameleon has successfully conducted its scoping research exercise in four main divisions as follows: Northern Division (Labasa & Savusavu), Western Division (Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Rakiraki, Tavua), Eastern Division (Levuka), Central Division (Navua, Lami-Suva-Nausori Corridor). The main aim of the scoping visit was to establish needed information regarding the research including research logistics, the size of the local TG-women population, venues for the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), catering for the 10 FGD participants, security assessments of each sites, contact of key informant interviewees (service providers) and others.
RESEARCH TRAINING
At the 3 days Research Training for all the Research Assistants facilitated by the Research Consultant.
Haus of Khameleon Research is supported by the following partners:
