The rise of online-facilitated violence against individuals with disabilities is emerging as a concerning trend in Fiji. Minister for Women and Children Sashi Kiran recently underscored this issue at the Workshop on Preventing and Responding to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence for Persons with Disabilities.
While acknowledging the benefits associated with increased digital access, Ms. Kiran pointed out the heightened risks for women and girls with disabilities, indicating that this technology can serve as both an empowering tool and a source of vulnerability without proper safeguards in place.
“The risks of online harassment, stalking, exploitation, image-based abuse, misinformation, and impersonation escalate as digital access expands,” she noted. Members of the disability community have reported a troubling increase in bullying and image-based abuse, with the Deaf community facing significant impacts due to their reliance on visual communication methods like facial expressions and video messaging.
The Minister emphasized the serious consequences of such bullying, particularly for young women, who may retreat from social media and civic engagement due to negative experiences. She highlighted a notable incident involving a sign-language interpreter during live broadcasts of parliamentary proceedings. Rather than receiving support, the interpreter faced a barrage of hateful remarks regarding her appearance and interpreting style but persevered, understanding how vital her role was for the deaf community’s access to information.
Fiji boasts a remarkable 96 percent digital connectivity, which offers significant opportunities for education, communication, and community involvement for individuals with disabilities. However, it equally exposes them to the dangers of online violence. Ms. Kiran remarked that tech-facilitated violence is not just a troubling trend but also a reflection of deeply rooted societal biases.
Continued efforts to leverage mobile technology for educational and supportive purposes must be coupled with protective measures, Ms. Kiran asserted. She emphasized the necessity of empowering women and girls with disabilities to safely navigate digital platforms, aiming to foster an environment where they can benefit from technology without the fear of violence or harassment.
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