Silence fuels teen pregnancy among iTaukei girls: Seruvakula

The rise in iTaukei teenage pregnancy indicates the weakness in the iTaukei traditional structure, according to the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) chairperson Ratu Viliame Seruvakula.

Ratu Viliame made the comment while addressing those attending the Blue Light programme in Nadi yesterday.

“If a teenage pregnancy happens in your family, do not be silent about it; allow the law to take its course,” Ratu Viliame said.

“In a family, there is love and respect. It is the role of the head of that family to instruct, guide, advice and continually speak to his family members,” he said.

From the family (vuvale) is the tokatoka (sub-clan) then the mataqali (clan).

“Do not give a gap for any other voices from outside to be louder than yours. Once there is a gap, you will allow other voices to influence your children,” Ratu Viliame said.

“The head of mataqali should make sure that the members of his tokatoka are instructing each family.

“The head of yavusa head should make sure that the heads of the mataqali are doing their part. If we all continue to do that every week and consistently, the children will see and hear the words of love, instructions, and guidance, and that will guide and treasure them.

“When such things do not happen, young girls are influenced by their peers, and this leads to teenage pregnancy,” Ratu Viliame said.

The GCC chairperson said mothers need to spend more time with their daughters, communicate and guide them.

“Parents should not remain silent about it; they should let the law take its course. If the child has been properly questioned about the identity of the father, do not cover it up or think that it is disrespectful, or that it will damage relationships within your family, village, or church. Let the law handle it.”

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