SEMI Cakau never imagined he would one day speak openly about violence against women in front of his entire village.
But today, standing in Matacaucau, he is one of many local men pledging to break the cycle of silence and lead change from within their community.
“This was a turning point for many of us,” Mr Cakau said, reflecting on a recent community awareness session on gender-based violence.
“We now understand our role and responsibility better and we’re committed to doing more.”
The session was part of a broader initiative by Medical Services Pacific (MSP), launched in 2024 and funded by the United Nations Trust Fund (UNTF).
Titled “Sensitising the Stakeholders and Communities Involved in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls in Fiji,” the three-year project seeks to transform harmful attitudes and behaviours through education, leadership development, and grassroots action.
To support this shift, MSP developed a Gatekeepers Toolkit available in both English and iTaukei.
The toolkit equips local champions, from men’s groups, women’s networks, youth organisations, faith-based leaders, and crime prevention teams, to lead tailored awareness activities and craft community action plans.
Isireli Nuku, MSP’s UNTF team leader, underscored the impact of the session.
“One of the key highlights was the level of engagement shown by the men,” he said.
“They were able to clearly understand the scenarios outlined in the toolkit and relate them to real-life domestic violence cases that have occurred within their community.”
For Semi and others in Matacaucau, the session opened eyes and hearts.
“Listening to stories and discussing how these issues affect our families and neighbours made it real for us.”
“It’s not something distant anymore, it’s happening here, and we must act.”
MSP plans to conduct one or two follow-up visits to deepen the community’s understanding and support social groups in applying the toolkit’s principles effectively.
Ten villages, including Matacaucau, are currently being assessed based on participation, communication, and leadership effectiveness.
From this group, three villages will be selected to receive community billboards in 2026 — visible symbols of their commitment and progress in preventing violence against women and girls.
For Semi, the future is clear.
“We want to be the leaders our community needs. Breaking the silence is just the beginning. Now, it’s about standing up, speaking out, and protecting those who need us most.”
His words echoed a growing movement of men in Fiji who were stepping forward, determined to transform their communities and end violence against women from within.
Semi Cakau speaks to the women of Matacaucau. Picture: SUPPLIED