At the Women in Media Inaugural Conference 2025 held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, Mereseini Rakuita, Principal Strategic Lead—Women and Girls at the Pacific, emphasized the essential role of storytelling in fostering change regarding gender-based violence. She highlighted that journalists have the power to transform narratives from shame and pity into justice and empowerment.
Rakuita underscored that reporting on gender-based violence transcends technical skill; it embodies an ethical responsibility for journalists. She noted the disproportionate scrutiny women face in positions of authority, asserting, “Women leaders in every field, including your own, are held to unreasonable standards.”
During her presentation, she recognized the challenges faced by journalists, particularly women, who often become targets of abuse while striving to act as watchdogs and catalysts for change. This aligns with the ongoing discussions at previous conferences where issues of harassment and violence against female journalists were centrally addressed.
The conference serves as a significant platform for raising awareness and advocating for enhanced safety measures in the media industry. Echoing sentiments from other conference participants, there is a collective call for robust policies to protect female journalists and ensure their voices are amplified in all spheres of media.
There is hope in these discussions, as they foster a stronger network among women journalists, encouraging solidarity, mentorship, and a commitment to redefining media narratives that elevate women’s roles and experiences in society. By challenging the standards imposed upon female leaders and addressing systemic issues, the media industry in the Pacific is moving toward a more equitable future.
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