Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya has expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of online abuse directed at women, labeling it as a significant national challenge that threatens Fiji’s productivity, leadership, and future. With women and girls comprising half of Fiji’s population, alarming statistics reveal that approximately 66 percent have experienced some form of abuse, with instances of online attacks occurring at ten times the rate for women compared to men.
Tabuya emphasized the profound psychological impact of this abuse, which leads to anxiety, fear, and trauma. Such effects hinder women’s capabilities to contribute meaningfully to their families, workplaces, and society at large. “When we have women who we need to be productive, who we need to take care of families, who we need to be able to contribute to society, when they are attacked, they face psychological harm. There’s anxiety, there’s fear, there’s trauma. This results in a cost that makes them unproductive,” she stated.
The minister pointed out that this online harassment not only affects women in general but is a significant deterrent for capable women considering a career in politics and leadership roles. She highlighted a troubling trend: the number of women in Parliament plummeted from 11 in 2018 to just five after the 2022 elections, a decline attributed to the severe online abuse they faced during election campaigns. Moreover, only 8 percent of voters supported female candidates, with the remaining 92 percent voting for men.
Tabuya warned that a reduction in female representation in leadership positions could have detrimental effects on families, society, and the nation as a whole.
In a related viewpoint, Faith Harvest Church Senior Pastor Reverend Manasa Kolivuso stressed that addressing violence against women must include tackling the roots of male behavior. He noted that many men who perpetrate abuse often carry unresolved trauma and advocate for national policies aimed at educating, mentoring, and rehabilitating men for a healthier societal dynamic.
This call for action represents a hopeful direction towards a more inclusive and supportive environment in Fiji. With collaborative efforts to combat online abuse and promote healthier male-female dynamics, there is potential for significant positive change in the representation and empowerment of women within society.