Over $140 million has been allocated in foreign aid to assist Fiji’s response to gender-based violence (GBV) since 2016, yet significant gaps remain in the engagement of local communities, particularly among iTaukei men, who are often identified as primary perpetrators of intimate partner violence. Avelina Rokoduru’s recent doctoral study highlights this critical lack of male involvement in policy discussions surrounding GBV, underscoring that existing strategies, primarily framed through feminist and human rights lenses, do not resonate with the realities of many indigenous Fijian men.
Despite a strategic national response outlined in various laws and policies, which have received backing from major development partners such as Australia and New Zealand, key figures, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Minister for Women, Sashi Kiran, have acknowledged their ineffectiveness in light of recent tragedies, including the deaths of three women in a weekend incident.
Rokoduru’s findings suggest that many iTaukei men view the introduction of GBV laws unfavorably, feeling these measures were imposed without adequate consultation. Her research emphasizes the absence of coordination among vital agencies responsible for tracking and responding to GBV perpetrators’ actions, calling for a more comprehensive and participatory data gathering system that includes insights on all affected parties: victims, survivors, and perpetrators.
She raises a critical point that the prevailing assumption about the universality of gender and GBV concepts in Fiji may be misguided, arguing that such beliefs are primarily influenced by Western ideologies without sufficient local validation.
Moreover, Rokoduru advocates for a thorough independent review of the national GBV response framework and recommends commencing a new national behavioral study, as the last comprehensive assessment dates back 15 years. By engaging and facilitating discussions with iTaukei men, there is potential for a profound cultural shift towards addressing and mitigating the harmful patterns of violence within communities.
The urgent need for inclusive dialogues about GBV in Fiji is echoed across various similar articles, with a growing recognition of the potential for transformative change as more men step forward to redefine harmful conceptions of masculinity and violence. The community-driven approach highlighted by various organizations, including ongoing campaigns and action plans aimed at promoting awareness and education on GBV, emphasizes a path toward a safer and more equitable society.
The collective acknowledgment of GBV as a pressing national concern allows for hope in addressing these critical issues long-term, fostering stronger community bonds and proactive measures to protect and support all Fijians.
Leave a comment