Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya, is facing backlash following the release of a private video that she confirmed was intended for her husband. In a statement sent to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre’s Shamima Ali, and media outlets, Tabuya condemned the circulation of the video, citing it as an example of technology-enabled gender-based violence, which affects a significant portion of women and girls in Fiji.
Tabuya emphasized that sharing private videos and images between consenting adults is not inherently scandalous or immoral. Instead, she highlighted that the criminal act lies in the unauthorized distribution of such material. She called out those sharing the video as contributing to a growing culture of online violence, which aligns with the challenges faced by many women in Fiji.
Furthermore, Tabuya condemned practices such as sextortion, where private images are used to extort individuals, and revenge porn, where such content is maliciously shared to harm reputations. She expressed her commitment to defending the rights of women and girls facing similar situations in Fiji and reaffirmed her duty to combat these issues, especially as she is directly affected.
In her remarks, she also criticized Fijivillage for allegedly conducting unethical journalism by posting the story without confirming facts or reaching out to her beforehand. Tabuya urged the Fiji Media Council to uphold journalistic standards.
In addition, she revealed plans to take legal action against individuals involved in sharing the video, citing evidence against at least one person and her intention to file a police complaint under the Online Safety Act and Crimes Act. Prime Minister Rabuka has reportedly reached out to her for clarification on the matter but has not commented publicly.
This incident not only underscores the need for greater awareness and action against online harassment, but it also highlights the importance of supporting those affected by such violations. Tabuya’s stance may serve as a catalyst for discussions surrounding the ethical use of technology and the protection of individuals from digital abuse.
In summary, while Lynda Tabuya faces a challenging situation, her proactive approach in addressing the issue of online violence and advocating for women’s rights can resonate with many in Fiji, fostering a more supportive environment for those affected by similar crimes.
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