Fiji is set to place a spotlight on online safety as a central theme during the 2026 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP), which will take place in Nadi from February 13-14. This event marks Fiji’s third hosting of the pageant and highlights the pressing digital challenges faced by young women across the Pacific.
The decision to focus on online safety is crucial, particularly as more than 60 percent of all online abuse complaints in Fiji involve females. According to the Online Safety Commission, a staggering 22 percent of Fijian women frequently encounter image-based abuse, while 30 percent suffer from defamatory attacks online, which often originate from anonymous accounts. With the rise of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) in the Pacific—a region already grappling with some of the world’s highest rates of offline gender violence—the need for proactive advocacy has never been more urgent.
Ana Tuiketei, the director of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, stressed the significance of this initiative. “Safety online is as important as safety in the home, in schools, and at work,” she noted. “When we think before we click, we protect privacy, peace of mind, and each other. This theme is not born out of fear; it is an expression of hope that together we can create a kinder, safer, and more respectful online community for everyone.”
Fiji has a notable history in the pageant, having produced three titleholders, with notable wins in 2009, 2011, and 2016. The 2009 pageant was particularly memorable as Merewalesi Nailatikau became the first Melanesian to win the crown, setting a precedent for future contestants such as Alisi Rabukawaqa and Anne Dunn.
Expressing pride in hosting the pageant again, Ms. Tuiketei remarked on Fiji’s long-standing tradition of strong representation and leadership among contestants, emphasizing the pageant’s role in empowering women and showcasing Pacific talent globally. She highlighted that hosting MPIP for a third time provides a special opportunity to celebrate Pacific heritage while fostering platforms for future leaders.
To prioritize contestant well-being, the Fiji organizing committee has collaborated with the Online Safety Commission and the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection. These partnerships will facilitate psychosocial support and resources to help contestants navigate public scrutiny and address technology-facilitated gender-based violence effectively.
The committee is committed to preparing contestants with comprehensive briefing materials that will help them safely navigate the digital landscape, from managing their public profiles to knowing where to seek help if needed. This proactive approach aims to set a benchmark for regional events in addressing shared challenges like TFGBV.
As the digital world continues to expand opportunities for Pacific voices to reach wider audiences, Fiji’s embrace of online safety at MPIP 2026 serves as a hopeful reminder that it is possible to cultivate a safer and more supportive community within the online space. Tickets for the 2026 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant will soon be available through the official Miss Pacific Islands Facebook page.