A key faith leader is addressing gender inequalities in Pacific cultures, asserting that many of these issues stem from misinterpretations of religious texts.
Reverend Sereima Lomaloma shared this insight during a recent gathering in Suva, which brought together cultural and faith leaders, government officials, civil society, and members of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The event focused on how the intersections of culture, faith, and gender can be utilized to foster gender equality in the region.
Highlighting the role of faith and religious leaders in promoting women’s empowerment, Reverend Lomaloma noted that traditional religious teachings have often been employed to reinforce practices that discriminate against women. Aiming for a more progressive interpretation of scripture, she emphasized the necessity of re-evaluating these teachings, stating, “We must re-examine it. People have believed that only males are created by God and women are not.”
Lomaloma declared that faith-based initiatives are vital for correcting misconceptions and promoting the belief that both men and women hold equal value in the eyes of God. She also stressed the importance of educating congregations on gender equality within church settings, arguing that intentional dialogue can reshape harmful narratives of submission towards women.
Echoing her sentiments, Selai Rasaqiwa, Vice President of the Fiji National Youth Council, discussed how young people experience intersections of culture, faith, and gender. She pointed out that while some youth approach faith with skepticism, others find strength in their beliefs, emphasizing the evolving gender norms among the younger generation. “Young women are stepping into leadership roles, and more men are beginning to embrace the idea of equality,” Rasaqiwa remarked.
However, she acknowledged that many youths, especially those in remote areas, remain unaware of pivotal frameworks like CEDAW. Rasaqiwa advocated for the creation of accessible resources such as infographics and podcasts to educate young people on gender equality and encourage their involvement in advocacy.
Discussions during the event included shared insights from CEDAW Committee member Brenda Akia, who noted that cultural practices in Africa historically empowered women, but changes in dynamics have led to their subordination in recent years. Akia emphasized the importance of affirming women’s rights within constitutions, underscoring that any cultural or religious practice undermining these rights should be considered invalid.
This convergence of perspectives highlights an optimistic outlook on the potential for meaningful change in the Pacific region as various stakeholders unite to advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment. By harnessing both cultural and faith-based frameworks, there is hope for a future where equal rights are firmly established and respected for all genders.
Leave a comment