The government must prioritize investment in the Online Safety Commission, according to John Apted, a litigation partner at Munroe Ley Lawyers. He expressed this concern while addressing the topic “Breaking Barriers: Increasing Female Participation in Local Government Elections in Fiji” at Tanoa Plaza on Tuesday night.
Apted identified social media as a significant barrier preventing women from engaging in politics. He stated, “The media is much less powerful now than it used to be; the reality is the action is all on social media.” He further criticized the nature of Fijian social media, describing it as “extremely cruel, sexist, and destructive,” particularly towards women and the LGBTQ+ community.
He highlighted the impact of platforms like Chat Fiji, where personal and intimate photos are often shared without consent, creating a hostile environment for women considering public office. Despite existing legislation aimed at holding offenders accountable, Apted noted that there has been a lack of governmental investment to enforce these laws effectively.
“Online Safety in terms of providing budget, personnel, public awareness, and so on is crucial,” he emphasized. He urged the government to address this issue urgently, as improving online safety is essential for empowering women to participate in public life. Apted encouraged women to voice their concerns to the government and advocate for necessary investments to cultivate a safer environment for their involvement in politics.