The Readout Dr Mercy Masta x Gender Equality, The Pacific Way
Oct 2, 2024
Dr. Mercy Masta, a Research Fellow at ANU's Department of Pacific Affairs, offers unique insights into gender equality in the Pacific. She argues for involving men as allies in discussions about women's rights, highlighting that they shouldn't just be seen as obstacles. Mercy emphasizes understanding cultural dynamics and revisiting traditional practices to empower women. She provides actionable advice for Australian development managers, advocating a more context-sensitive approach for meaningful change in gender relations.
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Gender Equality Seen as Foreign
- Gender equality is often seen as a foreign concept in the Pacific because it overlooks women's existing privileges.
- The term feminism doesn't resonate widely as it is perceived as an elite, exclusionary concept.
Include Men to Support Women
- Include men in gender equality efforts to reduce resistance and share the burden of change.
- Engage men using cultural values of communalism and family relationships for more effective outcomes.
Culture as Solution, Not Obstacle
- Culture should be viewed as part of the solution to gender equality, not just a barrier.
- Many Pacific cultural practices historically value and respect women, contradicting some negative Western stereotypes.
