The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement are urging the Coalition Government and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to retract the nomination of Pita Wise as Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan.
Shamima Ali, the coordinator of the FWCC, emphasizes that while the presumption of innocence is a fundamental right, nominating an individual accused of sexual harassment underscores the normalization and minimization of sexual violence, even at the highest levels of government where offenders are often rewarded. She stated, “This furthers the narrative that individuals in positions of power can act without consequences.”
Nalini Singh, Executive Director of the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, warns that inaction from leaders will cultivate a culture in which sexual harassment and violence against women and girls persist. She stated, “If our leaders do nothing, they will foster a culture where sexual harassment and forms of violence will continue against all women and girls. This will not create an environment where more survivors will come forward with complaints. There must be justice for the survivors and victims. The Prime Minister and the Government have proclaimed support for gender equality, but this is clearly nothing but lip service.”