The discovery of a newborn baby abandoned in a hostel washroom in Lautoka has sent shockwaves around the country.
While authorities from the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection are working with the Fiji Police Force and health professionals to ensure the child receives care and protection, this heartbreaking incident highlights far deeper social issues.
There has to be some urgency in us all uniting in the face of such action.
At the heart of this tragedy lies a painful truth: many of our young people are facing sexual relationships, pregnancy, and parenthood without the necessary support, information, or emotional guidance.
It is a sad reflection of society. It places us all in a rather poor situation.
As the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran said, this incident is a reminder of the fear, silence, and lack of awareness that surround teenage pregnancy. And while national systems are working hard to improve child protection and youth counselling, the foundation of real change must begin in the home, with parents and guardians.
Let’s face it, it is in the home that the seeds of trust, confidence, and understanding are planted.
That’s where parents and guardians have a critical role in shaping how children view relationships, consent, sexuality, and responsibility. In saying that, we should know that when young people cannot turn to those closest to them for answers or support, they are more likely to make choices in secrecy, without understanding the consequences.
In the most tragic cases, this leads to desperate actions like abandonment.
So, maybe, we should change the narrative. Let’s have those open, honest, and age-appropriate conversations about relationships and sex. Let us all grow up and talk.
Young people need a safe space where questions are respected. As parents and guardians, let’s be empowered to talk about sex. This may be tough for many parents and guardians right now, but the question will be, when do you start then?
When do you empower your children?
When do you then discuss it as a natural and important part of human development?
We say schools also play a critical role in this equation.
Perhaps we should be talking about the issue of sex education as well. Faith groups, community leaders, and civil society must step up to ensure young people are supported and informed every step of the way.
Should we even be seeing teenage pregnancy through the lens of shame or moral failure? Could it be the result of inadequate education, support systems, and social structures?
There are obviously emotional, physical, and social complexities.
The stigma attached to teenage pregnancy and unmarried women who become pregnant must end. Shaming and isolating young women only deepen the cycle of fear and silence that leads to tragic outcomes. Compassion must guide our response. As Ms Kiran rightly said, “Change begins at home, and it begins with each of us.
“This is a call for compassion and shared responsibility.
“No young girl should ever feel that hiding a pregnancy or abandoning her baby is her only option.”
She urged parents to be present, to be open, and to be involved.
“To all of us, let us build homes and communities where no one feels alone. This must be our turning point. Change begins at home and it begins with each of us.”
So let us unite in tearing down the walls of silence, ending the stigma, and creating a future where no child is born into shame, and no young mother walks alone!
Then there is the law! That serves as a guideline for our actions!
