A cabinet minister has spoken out against the illegal sharing of a private video, following Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s request for her explanation regarding the issue. Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, clarified that the video in question was a private conversation between her and her husband, which has been taken out of context.
Tabuya denounced the distribution of the video, labeling it as an instance of technology-facilitated gender-based violence. She noted that this issue reflects a wider concern faced by many women and girls in Fiji, as two-thirds encounter online violence when private images are shared without consent. Highlighting the need for change, she stated that this behavior must cease if society is committed to ending violence against women and girls.
The minister pointed out that the real criminal act lies in how the video was illegally acquired and disseminated. She expressed concern that individuals and organizations engaging in this behavior are contributing to the ongoing culture of online violence. According to her, women, especially those in leadership positions, are disproportionately targeted online, facing harassment ten times more often than men on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.
Tabuya called for ethical reporting from media outlets, noting that framing these incidents as scandals further perpetuates the violence women encounter. She has made it clear that anyone sharing the video will face legal repercussions for their actions.
The matter has escalated to law enforcement, with a police report set to be filed against an individual distributing the video under the Online Safety Act and the Crimes Act. In response to media inquiries, Prime Minister Rabuka confirmed that he had reached out to Tabuya for clarification, though he did not comment on possible disciplinary measures.
This incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of protecting privacy in today’s digital age and the need for collective efforts to combat online violence and harassment, ensuring a safer environment for all individuals, particularly women.
This situation not only highlights a pressing issue but also fosters hope for increased awareness and advocacy against online violence, potentially leading to greater protections for vulnerable populations in the future. It encourages a dialogue about respectful digital interactions and the ethical responsibilities of both the media and individuals in our increasingly connected world.
Leave a comment