Emele Duituturaga, Coordinator of Gender Studies at Pacific Communities University, has voiced her concerns regarding the inadequacy of current gender policies in the Pacific region. Speaking at the Traditional Knowledge Conference held in Nadi, Duituturaga stressed that the existing gender interventions often miss the mark when it comes to addressing the lived experiences of the youth. She calls for a comprehensive revamp of gender programs to ensure they align with Pacific philosophies, spiritual beliefs, and cultural wisdom.
Highlighting a critical issue, Duituturaga shared troubling statistics about HIV, noting that in 2024, a significant 70% of the 1,583 new HIV cases were among I-taukei men aged 20-29. She characterized this as a gender issue, encouraging examination into the underlying societal dynamics fueling such figures. Duituturaga advocates for gender policies that go beyond mere academic discourse, urging for policies to be deeply integrated into developmental and educational processes.
She believes a unified approach is essential, with policymakers, academics, and communities collaborating to develop practical solutions aimed at enhancing the lives of future generations. Duituturaga emphasizes the importance of empowering men as ethical leaders within families and communities, rejecting the outdated notion that cultural and religious values impede gender equity.
This call to action mirrors broader regional dialogues that prioritize incorporating grassroots efforts and community-driven discussions in policymaking. Similar themes emerged during the Fifth Pacific Women Leaders Meeting, which shifted focus towards everyday realities impacting women and families in the Pacific. These conversations underscore the necessity of tackling systemic inequalities and enabling both women and men to take on dynamic roles.
The challenge now lies in bridging the gap between policy and reality, ensuring gender equity efforts are successfully implemented and genuinely reflect the needs of Pacific communities. The proposed changes aim to utilize cultural and spiritual frameworks to formulate practical gender policies, addressing current disparities and laying the groundwork for a more equitable future.