In Fiji, the issue of teenage pregnancies is predominantly managed through traditional family protocols, which often bypass formal legal interventions, leaving many young girls lacking essential support. According to Shairana Ali, CEO of Save the Children Fiji, this practice is prevalent across the region, with nearly 500 cases reported in the first half of this year alone.
Families frequently resolve these situations privately, choosing to adhere to mutual agreements and raise the children within customary frameworks, which discourages legal authorities’ involvement. As a result, many cases, particularly in rural and maritime areas with limited welfare services, go unreported, further disadvantaging young mothers.
Nalini Singh, Executive Director of the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, stresses the importance of robust child support systems and advocates for an education curriculum focusing on sexual and reproductive health. This approach aims to empower young girls to lead safe, productive lives. With many cases involving minors, the involvement of parents is critical. Advocates urge for open, supportive family dialogues to replace traditional protocols.
Historical community initiatives have consistently called for comprehensive sexual health education to combat rising teenage pregnancy rates in Fiji. Between 2016 and 2019, approximately 1,000 teenage girls became mothers annually, underscoring the need for improved sexual and reproductive health education in schools. While current educational frameworks often promote abstinence-only models, there is significant advocacy for comprehensive sexual education that imparts practical knowledge and empowers young individuals.
There is a unified call among community and advocacy leaders to remove stigmas surrounding adolescent pregnancies. A supportive societal response is crucial to ensure a generation informed and ready to make responsible choices. By promoting open communication and education, Fiji can aspire to decrease teenage pregnancies and foster a healthier, more supportive future for its youth. The overarching goal is to cultivate a community attentive to the needs of teenage mothers, incorporating legal, social, and educational reforms, to ensure they receive comprehensive support.