One hundred men from Fiji’s Rewa and Cakaudrove provinces have completed the 2025 Male Advocacy for Women’s Human Rights training, an initiative led by the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) aimed at eradicating violence against women, girls, and children while promoting gender equality. The program, which encourages men to critically evaluate their treatment of women and their roles in society, is designed specifically for the Pacific context.
Shamima Ali, the coordinator of the FWCC, highlighted that many beneficiaries of the training have reported notable changes in behavior among men, with husbands increasingly sharing domestic responsibilities and demonstrating greater empathy. Ali emphasized the program’s core principle: men must first change their own attitudes and behaviors towards women and girls to influence others effectively.
This approach echoes broader efforts in the region, where organizations like the FWCC have historically played a pivotal role in training community members to combat gender-based violence. Previous training initiatives, such as the month-long program that completed in 2024, engaged participants from across the Pacific to address pressing issues around gender equality and human rights, highlighting the collective responsibility to challenge and change harmful societal norms.
With Fiji’s National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls (2021-2026) supporting these efforts, there is growing optimism that such programs will foster significant societal transformation. As men actively engage in discussions and reflections regarding gender roles, the hope is that this will lead to healthier, more respectful relationships and communities across the Pacific region.
The commitment displayed by these men in completing the training signifies a hopeful shift towards ending gender-based violence and promoting equality, suggesting a future where such initiatives can cultivate a profound change in societal attitudes.
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