The government must increase its investment in the Online Safety Commission, according to John Apted, a litigation partner at Munroe Ley Lawyers. He made these remarks during the “Breaking Barriers: Increasing Female Participation in Local Government Elections in Fiji” event held at Tanoa Plaza on Tuesday night.
Apted emphasized that social media poses significant challenges for women aiming to enter politics. He noted that traditional media has lost much of its influence, as social media has taken center stage. “Fiji’s social media is particularly harsh, sexist, and destructive, especially towards women and the LGBTQ+ community, who often face the brunt of online attacks,” he stated.
He highlighted the harmful practices prevalent on platforms like Chat Fiji, where individuals’ personal and intimate photos can be publicly shared without consent. This kind of exposure can act as a significant deterrent for women considering public roles.
While there are regulations intended to hold offenders accountable, Apted pointed out a lack of government investment aimed at enforcing these laws. “We need proper funding, personnel, and public awareness initiatives regarding online safety,” he urged.
Apted called for women to voice their concerns to the government and advocate for increased funding in this area, suggesting that such support is crucial for empowering women to participate more actively in public life.