Let’s work together to end workplace discrimination

PSGDN in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights recently facilitated a SOGIESC+ sensitisation training for the Fiji Police recruits.

Imagine a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and included—regardless of their identity.

Unfortunately, for many LGBTQIA+ individuals in Fiji and the Pacific, this remains an aspiration rather than reality.

Workplace discrimination continues to be a major challenge for members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the region.

While legislative reforms have made strides in recent years, many LGBTQI+ individuals still face significant barriers to employment, with some encountering harassment and bias in the workplace simply because of their identity.

The Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN)—a key regional advocate for LGBTQI+ rights—has observed encouraging progress, as more companies and organisations begin to revise their internal policies to promote equality.

However, PSGDN emphasises that deeper, sustained efforts are necessary to fully eliminate workplace discrimination and support inclusive work environments.

PSGDN’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Loata Seru says gender sensitisation training is important for companies and organisations in Fiji and the region and helps promote gender equality.

“And when I say workplace, I don’t only mean the private sector. We need gender sensitisation in our governments, in our parliaments, and in places where public policy decisions are made,” Ms Seru said.

“Gender sensitisation refers to the process of increasing awareness about gender equality and the harmful effects of gender-based discrimination. Its core objective is to transform mindsets and behaviours by fostering empathy, encouraging mutual respect, and promoting a deeper understanding of all gender identities,” she shared.

Ms Seru said there was no harm in undergoing training focused on gender.

“Engaging employees in open conversations about Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sexual Characteristics (SOGIESC) is essential for fostering a truly inclusive and diverse workplace—an environment that directly contributes to business success.

“Discrimination or phobia toward LGBTQI+ individuals, often stemming from fear, mistrust, disgust, or hatred of those whose SOGIESC differs from traditional norms, can negatively impact team productivity, suppress creativity, and hinder effective collaboration.

“In Fiji and the region, LGBTQI individuals continue to face violence, exclusion and discrimination on a daily basis, because of their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity or sex characteristics, with many countries still retaining harsher punishments and jail terms for homosexuality.”

Ms Seru said this needed to be changed.

“And the only way we can achieve this is through talanoa (discussion/dialogue). SOGIESC training is available all throughout the Pacific.

“PSGDN secretariat, and through its national member organisations (NMOs) provide gender sensitisation training, and I urge you to get in touch with us for this training opportunity.

“Our team of professionals can come to your doorstep to provide this training. It’s about opening doors and embracing change.”

PSGDN has provided gender sensitisation training to Fiji police recruits, regional governments, private sector organisations – and all these have helped foster understanding of LGBTQI+ people.

For gender sensitisation training, please contact PSGDN secretariat at: loata.tucika@psgdn.org.

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