Ailava Samuels, who represents Fiji in the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2026, is using her challenging experience with cyberbullying to spearhead a powerful advocacy campaign focusing on online safety. Instead of retreating in the face of online harassment leading up to the pageant, Samuels decided to take a stand as an Ambassador for Online Safety.
Drawing from her own experiences, Samuels understands the severe impact that negative online behavior can have. “I know firsthand how damaging online attacks can be,” she shared. “But I also know that we have the power to change the narrative around digital behavior in our Pacific communities.” Her resolve to promote accountability and respect in online interactions is a crucial response to the growing urgency of cyberbullying in the region.
Samuels underscores the significance of voicing concerns against cyberbullying, asserting that “Cyberbullying thrives in silence and anonymity. But when we speak up and model respectful online engagement, we create safer digital spaces for everyone – especially our young people.” Being the eldest of seven siblings and having strong connections to Samoa showcase her resilience and leadership qualities. Her faith-based outlook enables her to navigate various challenges effectively.
Her diverse array of talents, which includes music, dance, oratory, and community service, reflects her conviction that genuine leadership is rooted in serving others. Through her platform as Miss Pacific Islands 2026, Samuels aims to inspire other Pacific women, encouraging them to channel their adversity into advocacy and showing that individual struggles can lead to collective advancement.
“This experience hasn’t diminished my voice – it’s amplified my purpose,” Samuels affirms passionately. Her hope is that by sharing her journey, she can inspire others to speak out against cyberbullying and to think before posting negative comments, which is essential for her message to resonate throughout the community.
With her unwavering dedication to creating a safer digital environment, Ailava Samuels emerges as a figure of hope and resilience, championing a kinder and more respectful online culture throughout the Pacific. Her efforts serve as a reminder that challenges can lead to meaningful change and inspire others to protect the online spaces we share.