The proposed establishment of a Ministry of Men has garnered support from Reverend Taniela Baleinakorodala, the Vice Principal of Davuilevu Theological College. He views this initiative as a critical measure to tackle the pressing issues of violence against women and children.
Rev Baleinakorodala acknowledges that while the Methodist Church offers programs aimed at men, detrimental cultural norms still afford men unchecked authority. He emphasizes that many harmful behaviors remain unchecked and continue to inflict damage within communities.
To address these challenges effectively, he advocates for the initiative to reach villages through straightforward and practical training. “I think the suggestion to have a men’s ministry is quite important; it should not be silenced but embraced, fostering deeper collaboration along with awareness raising and practical training,” he asserted.
Additionally, Rev Baledrokadroka has called for enhanced teamwork among institutions, communities, and cultural leaders. He believes that such collaboration is essential to reshaping societal attitudes and promoting responsible behavior among men. His remarks underscore the urgent need for synchronized efforts to combat gender-based violence, highlighting a hopeful pathway towards creating safer and more supportive environments for families.