Fiji is gearing up to emphasize the importance of online safety during the 2026 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP), scheduled for February 13-14 in Nadi. This upcoming event, marking Fiji’s third time hosting the pageant, seeks to address the serious digital challenges facing young women across the Pacific region.
The focus on online safety is particularly vital given that over 60 percent of online abuse complaints in Fiji involve women. Data from the Online Safety Commission reveals that 22 percent of Fijian women frequently deal with image-based abuse and 30 percent are victims of defamatory attacks online, typically originating from anonymous accounts. This growing issue of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) in the Pacific is occurring within a context where the region has some of the world’s highest rates of offline gender violence, highlighting the need for urgent and proactive measures.
Ana Tuiketei, director of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, emphasized the importance of the theme, stating, “Safety online is as important as safety in the home, in schools, and at work.” She advocates for mindful online behavior, suggesting that by thinking before clicking, individuals can protect privacy and promote a respectful online community. This initiative is not rooted in fear but represents a hopeful vision of a kinder digital environment.
Fiji has a commendable history in the MPIP, previously crowned winners in 2009, 2011, and 2016. The 2009 event was particularly significant as Merewalesi Nailatikau became the first Melanesian to win the title, paving the way for future winners like Alisi Rabukawaqa and Anne Dunn.
Expressing pride in hosting the pageant again, Tuiketei highlighted Fiji’s strong representation and leadership within the contest and the role it plays in empowering women and promoting Pacific talent on a global stage. She noted that hosting MPIP for a third time represents a unique opportunity to celebrate Pacific heritage and foster platforms for future leaders.
To promote contestant well-being, the organizing committee in Fiji has teamed up with the Online Safety Commission and the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, ensuring that contestants have access to psychosocial support and resources. This collaboration aims to help contestants handle public scrutiny and effectively address instances of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
The committee is dedicated to equipping contestants with resourceful materials to navigate the digital landscape safely, covering everything from managing their online personas to understanding how to seek help. This initiative seeks to set a precedent for addressing shared challenges like TFGBV in future regional events.
As the digital space broadens opportunities for Pacific voices, Fiji’s commitment to online safety at the MPIP 2026 serves as an encouraging reminder that a safe and supportive online community can indeed be cultivated. Tickets for the pageant will soon be available through the official Miss Pacific Islands Facebook page.