Empowering Women: Shifting the Conversation on Mental Health in Fiji

The University of the South Pacific’s Lautoka campus marked International Women’s Day with a special focus on mental health and well-being for women. Campus director Dr. Pramila Devi emphasized the significance of raising awareness and offering support regarding women’s mental health. She stated, “It is important not only to raise issues but also acknowledge the achievements, resilience, and challenges in the roles and responsibilities that women have in these two areas.”

The event featured key speakers, including Eleina McDonald, operations and events manager of Fijian Drua, and Mereisi Tavaiqia, operations manager of Empower Pacific, who shared valuable insights on the pressing need for dialogue around mental health, particularly in the context of women’s experiences.

Tavaiqia, in earlier speeches during similar events, highlighted how societal norms often obstruct open discussions about mental well-being among women, which can lead to significant stress and anxiety associated with personal and professional pressures. She stressed the importance of creating supportive environments that allow women to express their mental health challenges openly without judgment.

This emphasis on women’s mental health resonates with wider conversations in Fiji regarding gender equality and empowerment, where figures like Sashi Kiran, Fiji’s Minister for Women, have underlined the urgent need to support women’s health as an essential component of broader gender equality efforts. Kiran advocates for the inclusion of men and boys in this dialogue to challenge stereotypes and foster a more inclusive society.

The ongoing attention to mental health and women’s empowerment provides a glimmer of hope for significant social transformation in Fiji, creating a more equitable future where women can thrive and lead fulfilling lives free from stigma and barriers. Initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s well-being, as seen during this celebration, lay the groundwork for building comprehensive support systems that can positively impact communities in Fiji.