The dominant discourse on masculinity in the Pacific is that it is a problem which must be fixed. As a social problem, Pacific masculinity manifests in high rates of anti-social behaviour, including high rates of violence against women and children. Consequently, masculinity and men and boys have become objects of policy concern for government and non-government agencies. Notably, while masculinity and the behaviour of men and boys have attracted policy attention, the views and voices of men have not always been included in this conversation.

This thesis addresses this absence. It explores voices of men in Papua New Guinea and Fiji to paint a picture of lived experiences of Pacific men and the factors that shape and influence their notions of masculinity and manhood. It also explores men’s responses to gender-related initiatives that support men and boys to promote gender equality and anti-violence. The research addresses the lack of Pacific Island men’s voices in gender and masculinity research and aims to contribute insights to strengthen and improve policies and programs addressing gender and gender-based violence in the region.

About the Speaker

Mercy Masta recently completed her PhD thesis titled Pacific Masculinities: Exploring Men’s Perspectives and Experiences of Masculinity, and Efforts to Engage Men and Boys in Preventing Violence in Papua New Guinea and Fiji. Her research explored factors that influence notions of Pacific lsland masculinities. It addresses the lack of Pacific Island men’s voices in gender and masculinity research and programming. She has worked on Australian DFAT programs in PNG, including Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Program. Dr Masta has been involved in health & HIV, gender equality and women’s empowerment and youth development programs in the Pacific region. She currently works with Conciliation Resources Australia, a peace-building organisation that works in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.