Opposition Member of Parliament Rinesh Sharma has urged the Fijian government to create a dedicated Ministry for Men, emphasizing that current structures do not adequately address the increasing number of male victims affected by violence, mental health issues, and social neglect. While participating in a parliamentary debate, Mr. Sharma expressed his concerns that the existing Ministry for Women, Children and Social Protection is insufficient for representing the needs of all Fijians.
During his speech, he remarked, “Where is the Ministry for Men? Is this not discrimination?” Mr. Sharma acknowledged the grave issue of violence against women—citing the tragic deaths of nine women this year—yet he insisted that violence should not be framed as exclusively a gendered issue. He pointed to data from the Fiji Police’s annual report, stating, “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 comments come amidst ongoing discussions about the government’s focus on domestic violence. Sharma criticized the Minister for Women for primarily concentrating on female victims and called for an equal commitment to support men facing violence.
He proposed that the ministry’s name be altered to include men, 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 call echoes past sentiments shared among community leaders about the necessity of engaging a broader audience in conversations surrounding domestic violence and mental health.
Amidst alarming statistics, including a reported 35 percent increase in crimes against women this past June and a steady rate of violence against women over the past decade, Sharma questioned whether the current government policies on domestic violence were yielding tangible results beyond superficial headlines. “Your slogans aren’t enough. Your policies aren’t enough. Your funding isn’t enough. What’s needed is a mindset change,” he asserted, underscoring the urgent need for a shift in public attitudes and government strategies.
The discourse surrounding the establishment of a Ministry for Men reflects an evolving understanding of domestic violence in Fiji, where many recognize that it affects people of all genders. As leaders and advocates continue to address these critical issues, there is hope for improvements that foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all Fijians, ultimately championing a culture of respect and compassion across the nation.