Dismissive remarks and online harassment are profoundly impacting women and girls with disabilities throughout the Pacific region, leaving them with deep and lasting trauma. Sainimili Tawake, Chief Executive of the Pacific Disability Forum, emphasizes that the stigma surrounding sexual and reproductive health issues contributes to a culture of silence that often prevents survivors from coming forward about their experiences of abuse.
“When we want to seek justice, we don’t report. The perpetrators are often people close to us—our partners, parents, or someone we trust. That is why we stay silent. This is an issue we must talk about,” Tawake asserts. She highlights that harmful comments are frequently dismissed as mere jokes or light-hearted remarks, even though they can inflict serious emotional and psychological harm on individuals.
Tawake points out the sensitivity surrounding sexual health topics within many Pacific communities, which leads to an environment where incidents of abuse are often overlooked or unaddressed. She notes with concern that the rise of technology is being exploited to further harass and manipulate vulnerable groups, including women and girls with disabilities, exacerbating their trauma.
In light of these challenges, Tawake is advocating for a united effort among governments, civil society organizations, technology experts, and data agencies to break the silence and protect survivors. She calls for urgent action to create safer online spaces for all, emphasizing the crucial need for support and collaboration to foster an environment where survivors feel empowered to speak out.
By addressing these issues head-on and promoting open discussions, the hope remains that progress can be made toward supporting those affected and dismantling the stigma that currently hinders their voices.
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