The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM) have sharply criticized a recent policy paper titled “Masculinities and Gender-based Violence in Fiji: The Perceptions of iTaukei Men.” FWCC coordinator Shamima Ali and FWRM executive director Nalini Singh condemned the paper, stating it mischaracterizes feminism and relies solely on the views of just 31 men.
In their statement, they accused the paper of prioritizing “male discomfort over survivor safety and accountability.” Singh remarked, “To frame feminist work as a barrier to national policy is not only misleading – it is dangerous.” She emphasized that feminism is a deeply embedded cultural phenomenon in the Pacific, led by women striving to eliminate violence within their traditional frameworks.
The activists noted that the document suggests that feminists obstruct data collection on perpetrators, despite the efforts of organizations like FWCC and FWRM, which have been actively gathering data and providing services related to gender-based violence (GBV). Ali pointed out, “Gender-based violence is about power, not culture,” stressing that cultural practices can either heal or harm, depending on whether they uphold rights and safety.
Moreover, they criticized the paper for minimizing the root causes of violence by using vague terms such as “communication breakdown,” rather than addressing the underlying issues of patriarchy and power imbalance. They also highlighted its lack of attention to vulnerable groups like LGBTQI individuals and women with disabilities.
Feminist networks across the Pacific are calling for renewed focus on approaches that are survivor-centered, intersectional, and critical of patriarchal structures. By pushing for increased investment in feminist research and advocacy, they aim to shift away from policies that maintain male dominance.
Singh concluded with a clarion call for “political courage” to amend current practices, rejecting policies that shield the status quo while calling for transformative changes to address the real issues surrounding GBV.
This recent discourse ties back to broader discussions on Fiji’s ongoing struggle with gender-based violence, highlighted by alarming statistics and the need for effective community engagement. As seen in similar articles, the collective understanding of masculinity and active participation by men in addressing GBV can pave the way for cultural change and a proactive response to this endemic issue.
Furthermore, there are indications of hope as initiatives like the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls emphasize communal involvement and education, giving rise to a future where safety and respect can flourish in Fijian society.
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