As Fiji observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, experts issued a cautionary message about the dual nature of technology, highlighting its potential benefits and risks for women and girls with disabilities. With a remarkable 96 percent connectivity rate nationwide, digital platforms have become essential for education, entrepreneurship, and fostering social connections.
Sashi Kiran, Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, pointed out that women with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to technology-facilitated gender-based violence, which encompasses harassment, bullying, and image-based abuse. She stated, “Digital inclusion is central to social progress. The solution is not for women to withdraw, but for abusers to be stopped.”
Kiran referenced troubling instances of online harassment, such as attacks against a parliamentary sign language interpreter and derogatory remarks aimed at youth parliamentarians with disabilities. These cases exemplify how online spaces can exacerbate discrimination and prejudice against marginalized groups.
A survey conducted in 2020 by the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation revealed that 34 percent of respondents reported experiencing emotional abuse, with participants from the Deaf community being the most affected. Kiran stressed that technology should serve as an empowering tool rather than a source of exclusion.
To address these challenges, Kiran highlighted efforts by the Fiji Online Safety Commission, which is currently reviewing legislation and protocols, bolstered by the country’s commitment to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. This initiative aims to enhance protective measures against online abuse. Additionally, she advocated for inclusive digital design and stronger governance to ensure that women with disabilities can engage safely and confidently in online environments.
The discussions surrounding digital safety and inclusion underscore a wider acknowledgment of the need for systemic change, providing hope for a future where technology is used responsibly and equitably, granting all individuals the opportunity to participate fully in society.
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