The government must prioritize investments in the Online Safety Commission, according to John Apted, a litigation partner at Munroe Ley Lawyers. He made this statement while addressing the issue of increasing female participation in local government elections in Fiji during an event at Tanoa Plaza on Tuesday night.
Apted highlighted that social media poses significant challenges for women aspiring to enter politics. He noted, “The media is much less powerful now than it used to be; the reality is the action is all on social media.” He emphasized the cruel and destructive environment of Fiji’s social media, particularly towards women and LGBTQ+ individuals, who often face vilification.
He pointed out that many are familiar with platforms like Chat Fiji, where personal photos are frequently shared without consent, creating a hostile atmosphere for women considering public roles. Despite existing legislation aimed at holding offenders accountable, Apted criticized the lack of government funding to enforce these laws.
“Online Safety needs attention in terms of budget, personnel, and public awareness,” he said. “This is crucial if we want women to feel empowered to step into the public realm.”
Apted urged women to voice their concerns to the government and advocate for investment in online safety initiatives to foster a more supportive environment for their political participation.