Oppressive religious beliefs are among the biggest barriers towards ending violence against women in the Pacific.
Practitioners and policy makers have gathered in Fiji at the seventh Pacific Women's Network Against Violence Against Women Meeting to examine the status of women.
The co-ordinator of the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre, Shamima Ali, says while the status of women has improved they are still facing the same issues of oppression and gender inequality when the network was established 24 years ago.
She told Daniela Maoate-Cox one of the main issues is people interpreting the bible to suit their own ends.
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Policy makers and practitioners meet to discuss ending violence against women in Sigatoka, Fiji. Photo: Fiji Womens Crisis Centre