The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement are urging the Coalition Government and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to retract the nomination of Pita Wise as Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan.
Shamima Ali, Coordinator of the FWCC, expressed concerns that despite the principle of presumption of innocence, nominating a man accused of sexual harassment underscores the normalization and minimization of sexual violence, even at the highest state levels, where offenders may still be rewarded.
Ali stated, “This nomination highlights how sexual violence is normalized and minimized, particularly among those in power who seem to act without facing consequences.”
Nalini Singh, Executive Director of the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, added that inaction from leaders would cultivate an environment tolerant of sexual harassment and violence against women and girls.
Singh remarked, “If our leaders do nothing, they will promote a culture where such behaviors are allowed to persist. This will deter survivors from coming forward. We need justice for victims. The Prime Minister and the Government profess support for gender equality, but this appears to be mere lip service.”