Online violence targeting individuals with disabilities is increasingly recognized as a troubling trend in Fiji. Minister for Women and Children, Sashi Kiran, issued this warning during the opening of a workshop focused on preventing and responding to technology-facilitated gender-based violence against persons with disabilities.
Kiran emphasized that while advancements in digital access have created new opportunities, they have also made women and girls with disabilities more vulnerable to various forms of harm. “For women with disabilities, technology serves as both a tool of empowerment and, without proper safeguards, a potential space of vulnerability,” she stated.
The minister highlighted the rising risks associated with increased online engagement, which include harassment, stalking, exploitation, image-based abuse, misinformation, and impersonation. Reports from the disability community reveal instances of bullying and targeted abuse, particularly affecting the Deaf community due to their reliance on facial expressions and visual communication methods.
Kiran underscored the serious impacts of bullying, noting that it can lead to young women withdrawing from digital communication and civic engagement. She recalled a national incident involving a sign-language interpreter who faced social media backlash when live interpretation was first introduced during parliamentary broadcasts. Instead of receiving support, the interpreter was subjected to hateful comments regarding her appearance and interpreting methods. Despite the negative impact on her mental well-being, she persisted, understanding the critical role she played in providing accessible information to the Deaf community.
With Fiji boasting a 96 percent digital connectivity rate, there are significant opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in education and community life. However, this connectivity also exposes them to the risks of online violence. Kiran noted that tech-facilitated violence reflects and exacerbates existing societal prejudices.
To combat these issues, Kiran emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to combine the use of mobile technology for education and support with strategies for safeguarding. “We must ensure that women and girls with disabilities are equipped to navigate digital environments safely,” she concluded, highlighting the dual necessity of empowerment through technology while acknowledging the risks involved.