When did House of Sarah first start observing Thursdays in Black?

Nawadra: House of Sarah embraced the Thursdays in Black campaign in its early years as part of our commitment to ending violence against women and girls through faith-based advocacy. As our executive director, Rev. Sereima Lomaloma, has shared, there was a time when churches remained silent on violence, but “that silence has been broken and we are no longer silent. Churches have started to speak out on violence against women and children.” Thursdays in Black became one of the visible ways we lived out that commitment. Since around 2010, we have marked the campaign through awareness in churches and communities across Fiji, and in 2016 we introduced our own Thursdays in Black T-shirts carrying messages of hope, solidarity, and action. Today, it remains an important expression of our faith and our belief that the church has a responsibility to stand with survivors and advocate for a world free from violence.

Why do you believe Thursdays in Black is important?

Nawadra: Thursdays in Black is a simple yet powerful expression of solidarity. By wearing black, we stand with survivors of violence, honour those whose voices have been silenced, and affirm that violence against women and girls is never acceptable. It reminds us that every person, every church, and every community has a role to play in creating a world where dignity, safety, and respect are upheld.

Has the campaign sparked important conversations both among your team and outside of it?

Nawadra: Absolutely. Thursdays in Black has become much more than wearing black each week. It has encouraged meaningful conversations within our team, with our church partners, and in the communities we serve about gender-based violence, healthy relationships, gender equality, and the role of faith communities in prevention and response. It continues to inspire reflection, challenge harmful norms, and encourage collective action towards ending violence.

Learn more about Thursdays in Black