John Apted, a litigation partner at Munroe Ley Lawyers, emphasized the need for government investment in the Online Safety Commission during a discussion on ‘Breaking Barriers: Increasing Female Participation in Local Government Elections in Fiji’ at Tanoa Plaza on Tuesday night.
He identified social media as a significant barrier for women aspiring to enter politics, noting its pervasive influence compared to traditional media. Apted described Fiji’s social media landscape as harsh and hostile, particularly toward women and members of the LGBTQ+ community, who often face vilification.
He pointed out that popular platforms like Chat Fiji frequently expose individuals’ private photos, creating an intimidating environment for women. Despite existing laws aimed at holding offenders accountable, Apted remarked that there has been insufficient government investment to support the enforcement of these measures.
He called for enhanced online safety through increased budgets, personnel, and public awareness initiatives. This, he argued, is crucial for making women feel more empowered to engage in public life. Apted urged women to voice their concerns to the government, advocating for necessary investments in online safety to foster greater participation in the political arena.