From Restless Nights to Renewed Hope

From Restless Nights to Renewed Hope

For the first time in almost a month, Karalaini Cema of Vunavutu Village in Nadroga slept peacefully. After resigning from work to prioritise her health and wellbeing, Karalaini had been carrying the heavy weight of trauma and emotional stress, leaving her anxious, quiet, and withdrawn. But following a two-day Trauma Awareness and Healing training facilitated by Transcend Oceania, she began to experience her first real sense of relief and hope.

Transcend Oceania conducting one of their rural community sessions late in 2025.

The programme, delivered by Transcend Oceania, reaches women in rural communities and provides a safe and supportive space to explore how trauma affects their lives, relationships, and sense of self. Grounded in the Fijian cultural context, the training introduced coping strategies that draw on faith, community solidarity, and cultural practices as powerful tools for healing.

Within this safe space, women were encouraged to share their stories openly, reflect on the roots of violence, and identify ways to break cycles of trauma within their families and communities. Through creative expression, role plays, and guided reflection, participants discovered how understanding trauma can transform not only their own wellbeing, but also the lives of those around them.

By the end of the training, certificates were presented to participants, marking a meaningful milestone of courage, personal growth, and renewed confidence.

“I know I am better and have started my healing journey. I’m usually very quiet, but now I am happy, talking and laughing, because I have shared what I was going through and feel relieved. It’s like a huge burden off my chest,” Karalaini shared.

With support from Women’s Fund Fiji, Transcend Oceania continues to empower rural women across Fiji to reclaim their dignity, strengthen resilience, and build safer communities, where trauma does not define the future.

ENDS