Government investment in the Online Safety Commission has been deemed essential. John Apted, a litigation partner at Munroe Ley Lawyers, discussed this topic during a presentation on ‘Breaking Barriers: Increasing Female Participation in Local Government Elections in Fiji’ held at Tanoa Plaza on Tuesday night.
Apted emphasized that social media poses a significant obstacle for women aspiring to enter politics. He noted the shift in media influence, stating, “The media is much less powerful now than it used to be; the reality is the action is all on social media.” He described Fiji’s social media landscape as particularly harsh, often targeting women and LGBTQ+ individuals with cruelty and negativity.
“Many are familiar with popular platforms like Chat Fiji and how personal and intimate images are shared without consent. Such exposure can deter women from engaging in public life,” he explained. Although there are laws intended to hold perpetrators accountable, Apted pointed out that the government has yet to invest in enforcing these regulations.
He called for funding to enhance online safety, including increased budgets, personnel, and public awareness initiatives. “This is an area that requires urgent attention if we want to empower women to participate actively in public life,” he stated. Apted urged women to voice their concerns to the government, advocating for the necessary investments to support their involvement.