The government must prioritize investment in the Online Safety Commission, according to John Apted, a litigation partner at Munroe Ley Lawyers. He made this statement while discussing the initiative “Breaking Barriers: Increasing Female Participation in Local Government Elections in Fiji” at Tanoa Plaza on Tuesday evening.
Apted emphasized that social media serves as a significant barrier to women’s entry into politics. He noted, “The media is much less influential now, as the focus has shifted to social media platforms.” He criticized the harsh, sexist, and destructive nature of Fiji’s social media environment, particularly in its treatment of women and LGBTQ+ individuals.
He pointed out that widely used platforms, like Chat Fiji, often showcase individuals’ personal and private images without consent, which discourages women from participating in public life. Despite existing legislation aimed at holding offenders accountable, Apted argued that there has been no government support to enforce these laws effectively.
“There is a need for budget allocation, trained personnel, and public awareness initiatives in the realm of online safety,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of the matter to empower women in public domains. Apted encouraged women to voice their concerns to the government and advocate for more investment in online safety, stating that such actions would support their participation in public affairs.