Mereseini Rakuita, Principal Strategic Lead for Women and Girls at Pacific Community, called on journalists to treat reports of gender-based violence with greater urgency during her address at the inaugural Women in Media conference. She emphasized the media’s crucial role in shaping public perception and driving societal change, instead of merely recounting violence as routine news.
Rakuita referred to a national study on violence against women in Fiji, noting that it revealed 64 percent of Fijian women have faced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, often within their homes at the hands of someone they know. She expressed concern over the reliance on outdated statistics, warning that they dilute the urgency needed to reflect the current realities that women face today.
Highlighting the influence of faith in Pacific societies, Rakuita remarked that while religion can be a force for good, it is frequently misused to justify abuse. She urged community and religious leaders to stand up against norms that enable violence and emphasized that media attention is vital to ensuring that Fiji’s National Action Plan for preventing violence against women does not become just another document without action.
This appeal to journalists aligns with the larger discourse surrounding gender-based violence in Fiji, stressing the importance of covering women’s stories with respect and compassion. Rakuita encouraged reporters to go beyond tragedies and highlight the stories of women leaders paving the way for progress and change.
Reflecting on the ongoing dialogues surrounding women’s rights and media representation, it is hopeful to see a collective movement aimed at fostering an equitable media landscape that uplifts women’s voices and contributes to ending violence against them. As the discourse deepens, it creates pathways for stronger advocacy and recognition of the invaluable role women play in society.
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