The government must prioritize investment in the Online Safety Commission, according to John Apted, a litigation partner at Munroe Ley Lawyers. He spoke on this topic during the event titled, “Breaking Barriers: Increasing Female Participation in Local Government Elections in Fiji,” held at Tanoa Plaza on Tuesday night.
Apted identified social media as a major barrier for women aspiring to enter 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 emphasized the harsh nature of Fiji’s social media landscape, noting it is particularly cruel and sexist, often targeting women and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
He pointed out the risks associated with platforms such as Chat Fiji, where personal and private images can be shared without consent, creating significant deterrents for women seeking to engage publicly. While he acknowledged that some legislation aimed at holding offenders accountable exists, he criticized the lack of government funding to enforce these laws effectively.
“Online Safety in terms of providing budget, personnel, public awareness, and so on is essential,” Apted stated, calling for immediate action to make women feel more empowered in public spheres. He urged women to voice their concerns to the government and advocate for the necessary investments that would support their participation in local governance.