Teenagers are getting married in rural communities.

This was a concern raised by Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) executive director Vani Catanasiga in a workshop for Trafficking in Persons facilitated by the Pacific Island News Association and The Asia Foundation.

Ms Catanasiga said there were a number of these “marriages” reported to FCOSS.

“I wouldn’t say they legally got married,” she said.

She said for some communities they did not realise getting married below the age of 18 years was illegal until it was raised to them.

“Some people didn’t even understand exactly what trafficking meant.

“When we explained what trafficking is they said, oh, actually, that is happening.”

She said due to this reason, marrying young was normalised in rural communities.

“A young woman, a high school student would be showered with gifts from someone like a rural service vehicle provider.”

She said areas with a lack of infrastructure were susceptible to these types of unions.

“They don’t really have a lot of options in terms of access and those who often have access have power and they are using that in a way that is harmful to diverse communities and families.”

She said the women while sharing their stories warned FCOSS of reporting their stories to the media as they were worried about getting bullied.