SINGLE MOTHERS IN FIJIAN SOCIETY:
SURVIVING AGAINST THE ODDS
by Apryle Pickering

Conclusion

The rise in the number of single mothers in Fijian society has drawn attention to the issue of women's independence in a patrilineal society. In a traditional culture where the male has dominated financially in the home and the community, single mothers have had to rely on family members and governmental agencies for support. They are prevented from living alone because of finances, and they are often forced into unfortunate situations. In the case of both unmarried young single mothers and widows, they have had to struggle to survive. By conducting interviews with women in the villages and with women who are tenants of the HART home, I have gained a better understanding of these issues. These women are defying traditional norms and often feel judged and humiliated. They bring great disrespect to their families and are often isolated from the community. Today many support groups and governmental agencies are working for their benefit; however, the progress is slow and often unsuccessful.

Single mothers in Fijian society have few outlets for support for various reasons. The fact that many women are having children out of wedlock opposes traditional Fijian values. Women are expected to marry by choice or traditional arrangement before they have children. Having children before marriage is an unfortunate situation that risks bringing great disrespect to the family, and negative attitudes toward these women are seen in everyday life and casual conversation. Also, the patrilineal bias of the traditional way of life inhibits these women from being successful and raising their children on their own. Men are reluctant to care for another man's child due to the sense that children represent the future of their father's patriline. These children are seen as a financial burden and can be subjected to emotional and physical abuse. Economic pressures also prevent these women from making it on their own. They are unable to work and simultaneously care for their children, so they must often rely on their family for support. Although, these women have suffered many hardships; they have worked to overcome these burdens and survive and a society acting against them.

The lives of widows and women whose husbands have left them is often difficult as well. Not only do they have to overcome the scrutiny and humiliation felt in the village but they have to rise above the focus on patrilineality and patriarchy in their society as well. Their children are forced to adjust to the change in authority and have a tendency to behave badly in these situations. The financial duties are placed upon them and tight financial conditions make their options more limited. There are some features of Fijian society that make it easier for them, however. The strong focus on family bonds and kinship obligations acts in their favor, and often times the community is willing to help as well.

After evaluating the role of single mothers in Fijian villages I was then able to focus my research in governmental agencies such as the HART home. This home was located in the nearby town of Vaileka and was the home of more than eighty women and children. It was built to provide housing for single mothers who needed a place to live where their children could attend a nearby school. Although the home had many requirements for entry and restrictions, it was working for the benefit of the families. These women were given cheap housing with a community of neighbors willing to help whenever they can. Although there was a great stigma placed upon the home and its members, the overall opinion was positive. It is seen as a useful resource to the community as well as a means of survival for the women.

In addition to the HART home there are governmental agencies working to benefit these women. The Social Welfare office provides many services to the public including counseling, legal aid and information. They have distributed assistance money to those in need and have provided an outlet for support to many people, especially single mothers. Another agency that is beneficial to these women is the Fiji Women's Crisis Center. Although I was unable to interview anyone affiliated with the agency directly, I gained a better understanding of their services through literature and interviews. As does the Social Welfare office the Fiji Women's Crisis Center provides free counseling, legal aid, accompaniment and emotional support. They have been useful in helping these women to find a means of support as well as encouraging them to make choices for themselves.

Single mothers in Fijian society have worked to overcome many hardships that are prevalent in their society. The sense of community and patriarchy have induced humiliation and judgment; however, it has acted as a means of support as well. Financially these women are making progress and hopefully in the future they will be able to survive on their own.