The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement are urging the Coalition Government and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to retract the nomination of Pita Wise for the position of Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan.
Shamima Ali, the Coordinator of the FWCC, emphasized that while the principle of presumption of innocence should be upheld, the nomination of an individual accused of sexual harassment highlights the normalization and minimization of sexual violence, even at the highest levels of government, where offenders are often rewarded.
Ali stated, “The nomination of a man accused of sexual harassment reminds us how sexual violence is normalized and minimized, including at the highest levels of the state where perpetrators continue to be rewarded. It furthers the narrative that people in power can continue to do whatever they want without repercussions.”
Nalini Singh, Executive Director of the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, added that inaction from leaders could create an environment where sexual harassment and violence against women and girls persist. “If our leaders do nothing, they will foster a culture where sexual harassment and forms of violence will continue against all women and girls. This will not create an environment where more survivors will come forward with complaints. There must be justice for the survivors and victims. The Prime Minister and the Government have proclaimed support for gender equality, but this is clearly nothing but lip service,” said Singh.