Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) co-ordinator Shamima Ali says boys must be included in open and frank conversations about sex, gender-based violence and inequality.
Ms Ali said the FWCC commended Attorney-General Siromi Turaga and Lomaiviti Provincial Council chairman Ratu Etueni Caucau for raising the issue of teenage pregnancies and of the sexual assault of women and children during the Lomaiviti Provincial Council meeting.
However, she said there was no mention of men’s behaviour change or for parents to talk to boys as well.
“It is now an established fact that the root cause of violence against women and girls is gender inequality rooted in patriarchy and we have to call out bad male behaviour, whenever we talk about prevention,” she said.
“When we talk about breaking taboos on sex and open conversations with our children, we must include boys in those conversations. Our concerns around these issues must be raised and solutions sought based on knowledge and expertise. We all have a role to play in preventing rape, other sexual assaults, domestic violence. Let us talk about gender inequality. Let us address attitudes, actions, behaviour, policies and laws that drive violence against women and girls.”
Ms Ali also urged leaders, whether they were political, religious, traditional, community or youth, to attend gender sensitising sessions with those who had the experience and expertise.
“So, your advocacy is more effective given the influence you wield in our society. And once again the FWCC calls for genuine dialogue with all stakeholders, experts and practitioners to share data, knowledge and learn dynamics around these issues.
“We need sound feminist research to be conducted. Youth need to have more information around reproductive and sexual health issues and availability of contraception without moralistic judgment.”
