213 males have accessed counselling support services from Empower Pacific since 2022, which is the highest number of men reaching out for help.
Of the 213, 3 percent are persons with disabilities, highlighting the need for inclusive, accessible mental health services for all individuals, regardless of ability.
This was revealed to fijivillage News by Empower Pacific CEO Patrick Morgam, who says stigmatisation and cultural expectations are still key barriers for men and boys, even though recent trends show a decline in the number of males accessing services over the years.
Morgam says stigmatisation surrounding help-seeking behaviour among men and boys, combined with rigid cultural expectations of masculinity, remains one of the most common challenges preventing males from seeking counselling support.
He says for women, the organization has noted that fear of judgement, retaliation by partners, or disapproval from family members often discourages them from speaking out — especially in cases involving gender-based violence or other serious social issues.
He further says that women experiencing gender-based violence face significant limitations in accessing the counselling services they need, and more needs to be done to ensure these services are safe and accessible.
Morgam also emphasises that stronger partnerships with faith-based organizations are crucial in addressing these challenges, particularly in supporting at-risk men. He says these partnerships can play a powerful role in encouraging help-seeking behavior and breaking down social stigma.
He says there is also a need for more empowerment of open conversations and dialogue at home, and people should encourage each other to speak out when there is an issue at home or at work that drastically affects someone’s well-being.
The CEO further says that families, employers, and faith-based groups should also promote open discussions, foster safe spaces, and help break the culture of silence — especially among men and boys.
Morgam stresses that breaking this silence must be prioritised, and calls for greater collaboration across communities to ensure support systems are in place for those most at risk.
