Akanisi Sobusobu Tarabe, who hails from Wainika in Cakaudrove’s Tawake district, emphasized the importance of partnership between men and women during her participation in a three-day Gender & Equality Theology (GET) workshop organized by the House of Sarah in Vunaniu Village, Serua. According to her, this collaboration not only augments individual well-being but also instills a profound sense of fulfillment and togetherness.
Ms. Tarabe highlighted that the workshop’s objective is to address the troubling rise of gender-based violence in the region, an issue about which both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Women have expressed grave concern, especially citing distressing statistics like the loss of three women in a single weekend to violence.
She pointed out that the approach taken by the House of Sarah focuses on gender equality theology by re-examining and transforming traditional biblical interpretations that have historically supported narrative of male superiority and justified violence against women. “In Fiji, the Bible plays a central role in our lives, and the interpretations we adopt can deeply influence societal behaviors,” Tarabe stated.
She underscored the necessity for a renewed perspective that encourages both men and women to recognize their equal worth as partners created by God. Citing erroneous beliefs that suggest women are lesser due to their creation after men, she called for collective discussions and education to dismantle such harmful stereotypes.
This initiative resonates with ongoing efforts within Fijian society to challenge patriarchal norms by empowering women and engaging men in conversations about gender equality. Similar to the efforts outlined by Mereani Elizabeth from the Methodist Women’s Fellowship, who works to promote gender equality through scriptural reinterpretation, both advocates aim to foster environments where women can feel valued and safe.
This transformation is a critical step towards building a society where gender equality is not merely aspirational but foundational, nurturing safer communities that value every individual, regardless of gender.
The positive aspect of these workshops and initiatives is that they create a platform for discussions surrounding gender dynamics, encouraging both men and women to collaborate actively to prevent violence and promote equality. As these conversations gain momentum, there remains hope that together, communities can build a future where women are celebrated and violence in any form is eradicated.
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