Minister Lynda Tabuya Speaks Out on Private Video Controversy

Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, has addressed the circulation of an inappropriate video allegedly featuring her on social media. She clarified that this video was a private recording shared between consenting adults, specifically her and her husband.

In her statement, Tabuya highlighted a significant concern regarding technology-facilitated gender-based violence, which she noted affects two-thirds of women and girls in Fiji. She labeled the unauthorized circulation of private videos and images as a grave form of cyberbullying that must come to an end if the commitment to combat violence against women is genuine.

Tabuya emphasized that sharing such material without consent is both illegal and immoral. She is collaborating with law enforcement to trace and prosecute individuals responsible for disseminating the video. She has identified one person involved and intends to file a police report against them under applicable laws.

The Minister’s comments serve as a stark warning to those involved in sharing the video: doing so through any online medium constitutes a crime and carries serious legal repercussions. Her transparency and determination to combat this issue highlight a broader fight against cyberbullying and harassment.

This situation not only brings to light the devastating impact of online violence but also showcases the importance of personal privacy in relationships. Tabuya’s proactive approach encourages open discussions about cyber safety, while reinforcing support for individuals facing similar challenges.

By addressing these issues publicly, she aims to foster a safer online environment and calls for collective responsibility to protect individuals from online abuse.

In summary, Lynda Tabuya’s experience underscores the pressing need for stricter measures against cyberbullying and reinforces the importance of privacy for all individuals. The engagement from authorities and advocacy for victims can pave the way for a stronger stance against gender-based violence in the digital age.