Fiji is set to take a significant step towards promoting online safety by championing this cause during the upcoming 2026 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP), scheduled to be held in Nadi from February 13-14. This event marks the third time Fiji will host the prestigious pageant and highlights the pressing digital challenges that young women in the Pacific face in today’s technology-driven society.
The focus on online safety comes at a critical time, as recent statistics reveal that over 60 percent of online abuse complaints in Fiji are filed by women. The Online Safety Commission has noted that 22 percent of Fijian women are frequent victims of image-based abuse, while 30 percent encounter defamatory attacks online, often perpetrated through anonymous accounts. This increase in technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) demonstrates an urgent need to address these issues head-on, especially as the region grapples with some of the highest rates of offline gender-based violence worldwide.
Ana Tuiketei, the director of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, highlighted the necessity of bringing this issue to the forefront. She noted, “Safety online is as important as safety in the home, in schools, and at work. When we think before we click, we protect privacy, peace of mind, and each other. This theme is not born out of fear; it is born out of hope that together we can create a kinder, safer, and more respectful online community for everyone.”
Fiji has a rich history with the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, producing three titleholders through its previous hosting in 2009 and 2017. The 2009 pageant saw Merewalesi Nailatikau make history as the first Melanesian woman to win the title, and this legacy continued with Alisi Rabukawaqa in 2011 and Anne Dunn in 2016. Tuiketei expressed pride in fostering strong representation in the pageant, acknowledging the achievements of past winners who have emerged as leaders in their domains.
To ensure the well-being of the contestants during the pageant, the organizing committee has partnered with the Online Safety Commission and the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection. These partnerships aim to provide psychosocial support and vital resources for contestants experiencing the pressures of public scrutiny, while also establishing protective measures against technology-facilitated violence. The committee plans to create informative materials that guide contestants in safely managing their digital presence and knowing where to seek assistance if needed.
By prioritizing online safety advocacy at the MPIP, Fiji is paving the way for other regional events to address critical issues like TFGBV. As digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for Pacific voices to connect with global audiences, it becomes essential to implement proactive measures that safeguard individuals stepping into the spotlight. Tickets for the highly anticipated Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2026 will soon be available through the official Facebook page.
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