A new initiative led by Debra Tuibau, founder of Osais Counselling, aims to provide Fijian men with support and space for reflection as discussions surrounding masculinity and mental health grow in prominence. The initiative seeks to create safe, non-judgmental environments where men can share their experiences, confront their traumas, and begin healing.
Tuibau emphasized that this initiative is not about excusing harmful behavior but about fostering understanding and growth among men who often carry generational trauma and unaddressed pain. “Men are hurting too. They’re carrying generations of trauma,” Tuibau remarked, reflecting a sentiment echoed by other mental health advocates in the country. This aligns with calls from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for men to take responsibility within the community amidst increasing national discourse on gender-based violence.
Throughout the month, Osais Counselling will organize men’s circles, workshops, and personalized sessions to enhance emotional literacy, mental well-being, and cultural reconnection, reinforcing the idea that accountability for one’s actions must be accompanied by support for change. Participants will have the opportunity to explore and challenge traditional notions of masculinity while learning essential tools for developing healthier relationships.
The importance of this initiative is further underscored by statistics indicating that men in Fiji face mounting pressures, including high rates of suicide linked to mental health struggles tied to domestic violence and societal expectations of masculinity. Similar ventures, such as those advocated by Mohenesh Singh from Healing Hands Foundation, emphasize that many men deal with stigma that discourages them from seeking help amid issues like abuse, emotional distress, and alcohol dependency.
As Fiji continues to grapple with the challenges associated with domestic violence and systemic gender inequality, programs focused on the healing and empowerment of men reveal crucial truths—recognizing that transformation requires communal responsibility and that healing journeys are seldom solitary. By creating supportive spaces, initiatives like Tuibau’s hold promise for fostering a future where men can step forward, seek help, and engage actively in conversations that challenge harmful behaviors.
Ultimately, these efforts offer a beacon of hope for a cultural shift towards better understanding and healthier expressions of masculinity in Fiji, paving the way for collective healing and fundamentally altering community dynamics for the better.
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