Comments of a Sexual Nature in the Community

Veiwali is a concept in Fiji that really means ‘cheeky joking’ or ‘flirty banter.’ This is a cultural factor that is often a playful banter between young men and women. This, however, may be uncomfortable for volunteers if they are on the receiving end of jokes or any other comments of a sexual nature. The following process is malleable depending on the severity of the incident:

1. Understand the frequency and nature of the comments. Validate the volunteer, thank them for sharing and ask how they are feeling now; do they feel safe and comfortable in the community? 

If yes:

1. Inform the Project Coordinator to discuss a plan of action and agree on outcomes.
2. Speak with TNK as a leadership unit and raise that you have been made aware of the situation that is making a volunteer(s) uncomfortable.
3. TNK to address the topic at a community level and remind everyone more broadly on the subject.
4. Inform the team that the subject has been addressed at a community level in the next meeting for everyone’s clarity.

If no:

1. Inform the Project Coordinator to discuss a plan of action and agree on outcomes.
2. From options discussed with PC, Ask the volunteer which option would make them feel most comfortable moving forward in the village.
   1. This is very much situation dependent and another discussion with the Project Coordinator would be required to discuss what would be viable from what the volunteer raises.
3. In the scenario where the volunteer wishes to leave the village, please follow the Mental Health Process in the Health Processes section of the leader manual or follow bespoke arrangements made with the Project Coordinator.
4. Assure the volunteers that there are opportunities for counselling should the volunteer request it. 

NB: It’s important to follow up with the volunteer in the next few days to check in on how they are doing if they were previously feeling uncomfortable, and to assess whether the situation has changed at all.