Opposition Member of Parliament Rinesh Sharma is advocating for the creation of a dedicated Ministry for Men within the Fijian government, arguing that existing structures fail to adequately address the rising concerns surrounding male victims of violence, mental health issues, and social neglect. In a recent parliamentary debate, Sharma voiced his concerns that the current Ministry for Women, Children and Social Protection is not sufficiently representative of the needs of all Fijians.
During his address, he posed the question, “Where is the Ministry for Men? Is this not discrimination?” While acknowledging the serious issue of violence against women, highlighted by the tragic deaths of nine women this year, he contended that violence should not be perceived solely as a gendered issue. Citing data from the Fiji Police’s annual report, Sharma emphasized, “Violence and abuse do not respect gender, age, race, or income. Men too are victims — of abuse, of toxic relationships, and of rising suicide rates.”
His remarks come during ongoing debates regarding the government’s approach to domestic violence. Sharma criticized the current Minister for Women for a perceived lack of focus on male victims, calling for equal attention to those men are also facing violence. He suggested that the ministry title be modified to reflect this inclusivity, stating, “If this government can rename the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Finance, surely it can be renamed the Ministry of Men, Women, Children, Welfare and Social Protection.” This sentiment aligns with previous discussions among community leaders about the importance of broadening the dialogue surrounding domestic violence and mental health to include all individuals.
Amid troubling statistics, including a reported 35 percent rise in crimes against women last June, and a persistent rate of violence against women over the past decade, Sharma expressed concern over the effectiveness of current government policies aimed at addressing domestic violence. “Your slogans aren’t enough. Your policies aren’t enough. Your funding isn’t enough. What’s needed is a mindset change,” he stressed, highlighting the urgent necessity for a reevaluation of public attitudes and government strategies.
The proposal for a Ministry for Men indicates a growing recognition of the complexities surrounding domestic violence in Fiji, where it is increasingly understood that such issues affect individuals of all genders. As leaders and advocates work together to tackle these critical issues, there is hope for a more inclusive and supportive approach that promotes a culture of respect and compassion for all Fijians.