Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran has warned that Fiji cannot expect its servicewomen to protect others if they are not provided with the psychological support needed to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Kiran made the comments at the closing of a five-day Republic of Fiji Military Forces Servicewomen Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshop held at Pasifika Communities University.
The workshop, held under the theme “Breaking the Cycles,” provided servicewomen with a safe space to discuss trauma, mental health and healing, while building confidence to recognise distress and seek support.
Kiran says servicewomen operate in demanding environments while also carrying responsibilities within their families and communities.
She says exposure to conflict, danger and the suffering of others can leave deep and unseen wounds that may affect personnel, their families and relationships after returning home.
Kiran also stressed that mental health and wellbeing are essential to operational readiness, discipline, leadership and sustained performance.
She acknowledged the contribution of Fiji’s servicewomen to United Nations peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations and disaster response, saying their professionalism and courage had earned Fiji international respect.
The Minister also highlighted challenges servicewomen may face, including family pressures, harassment, workplace discrimination, domestic violence and climate-related emergencies.
She encouraged the servicewomen to continue supporting one another and promoting an environment where personnel feel respected and safe to seek help.
She thanked the Australian Government, through the Fiji Program Support Platform, and the RFMF Psychology Cell for supporting the workshop.
Second Lieutenant Loata Lolomatanoa says the five-day programme was a meaningful journey of learning, reflection and personal growth.
She says participants felt safe to speak, listen and reflect on issues that were not always easy to discuss.
