My Experience as a Woman of Colour

As an Indigenous Fijian, also known as an “iTaukei” (ee-tau-kay), I come from a deeply rich cultural and traditional background. As iTaukei, I am of the Melanesian Pacific Islander community, which is reflected in our natural black skin. My heritage is rooted in a proud history of traditions, customs, and values that have been passed down through generations, shaping both our identity and way of life. We are very communal, meaning that every iTaukei comes from a village and in each village we all share similar cultural values and traditional roles. Our village is an important part of our identity and if a person is found to be disrespecting the iTaukei traditions, they can be exiled and will never be allowed to enter the village again. My culture is highly patriarchal, where men are considered more dominant. The younger generation is taught to respect their elders, and when an elder speaks or makes a decision, it must not be questioned or challenged. Women must always wear knee-length skirts while in the village premises, and men must wear their skirts (known as the sulu) when attending a function or church service. While this may seem like women are treated as inferior in the Western society, we, the iTaukei, see this as a key part of maintaining harmony and order within the community, where the wisdom and authority of elders are upheld as guiding principles.

A depiction of the patriarchy in Fijian culture during a kava ceremony (a traditional Itaukei drink). Notice how the men sit at the front, while the women are seated at the back, all facing the person of authority—likely the chief—who is seated opposite and facing them.

Pursuing my Master's degree in Australia has been an amazing experience, particularly in terms of navigating cultural differences. I've noticed that many practices from my own culture often don't align with Western ways of life and Western values. In the Western world, people often challenge and question authority, women are empowered, and there is a significant degree of equality between men and women, especially when compared to life in a traditional Fijian village.

One of the key learning experiences I’ve had, is developing an understanding of the impact colonialism has had on me, as a woman of colour, and recognising how its effects vary across different cultures and individuals. Growing up, I was surrounded by the belief that Western ways were superior, a narrative that often diminished the importance of our own cultural practices. This mindset was reinforced through media, where advertisements and TV shows frequently portrayed white people as "good" characters, while people of color, especially those with darker skin, were often depicted as villains or individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. White families were shown as happy and stable, while darker-skinned individuals were often associated with broken homes and hardship

Lautz Bro’s & Co’s – “Beat that if you can”

The ad depicts an older white man washing a black boy with the product– trying to show that the soap could easily turn black to white.

In 2018, H&M advertised this which created alot of controversy in the black communities globally. The fact that this happened in 2018 and by one of the largest global fashion retailer, shows that this mindset is still very much alive in society.

Taking my culture and the impacts of colonialism, made me realise how this can have a great impact in the therapy setting. These colonial narratives remain deeply internalised in the minds of many people of color. When they walk into a room where the therapist is white or has lighter skin, it can trigger feelings of inferiority, mistrust, or discomfort. These dynamics may affect the therapeutic relationship, as clients might struggle with vulnerability or hesitate to fully express themselves.

As therapists who will be working with diverse individuals of different cultures, how can we create an anti-oppressive space for a client who, like me, comes from a cultural background that does not align with the Western culture? How do we ensure that clients of colour don't feel as though Western therapeutic ideas are being imposed upon them? How can we ensure a safe environment where clients feel empowered and free to speak without feeling marginalised?

To provide a truly safe space, we must respect their cultural identity and experiences, allowing them to engage in the therapeutic process without feeling pressured to conform to Western norms. It's essential to empower clients, giving them the freedom to voice their thoughts and feelings at their own pace, while offering a space where their cultural values and perspectives are respected and integrated into the healing process. It is important that we offer a space that is familiar to them and not what seems right to us as therapists. As therapists, it is crucial to be aware of these power imbalances and historical traumas, creating a safe, culturally sensitive environment where clients feel seen, valued, and understood. As therapists, it is our responsibility to be aware of our identities and the privileges we possess, ensuring that these privileges do not obscure our understanding of our client's needs.