The government must invest in the Online Safety Commission, according to John Apted, a litigation partner at Munroe Ley Lawyers. He made this statement while discussing the topic ‘Breaking Barriers: Increasing Female Participation in Local Government Elections in Fiji’ at Tanoa Plaza on Tuesday night.
Mr. Apted emphasized that social media poses significant challenges for women entering politics. He remarked, “The media is much less powerful now than it used to be; the reality is the action is all on social media.” He pointed out that Fiji’s social media landscape can be particularly harsh, often targeting women and members of the LGBTQ+ community, who bear the brunt of online harassment and negativity.
He noted the prevalence of platforms like Chat Fiji, where personal photos are frequently shared without consent, creating an environment that discourages women from participating in public life. Despite existing legislation intended to hold offenders accountable, Mr. Apted stressed that the government has not invested sufficiently in implementing these laws.
He highlighted the necessity for funding, personnel, and public awareness to enhance online safety. “This is an area that needs urgent attention if women are going to feel more empowered to put themselves out in the public,” he said.
Mr. Apted urged women to voice their concerns to the government and advocate for investments in online safety, as this support is crucial for encouraging their participation in politics.