Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has called on Fijians to take a stand against the growing trend of judgment and harassment on social media. Speaking at the Christmas Lighting Ceremony at Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji, she highlighted the harmful effects of online negativity, which she suggested often arise from a “deep personal insecurity” within the individuals perpetuating such behavior.
Ms. Kiran emphasized that the holiday season presents an excellent opportunity to promote compassion in both digital interactions and everyday life. She urged the public to refrain from “giving oxygen” to abusive conduct and encouraged families to proactively confront these detrimental actions.
“Spread kindness and compassion online,” she declared, advocating for individuals to reach out to those who demonstrate abusive tendencies and guide them towards seeking help. She raised concern over a disturbing rise in child neglect cases and acknowledged that the festive season is frequently marred by increased violence and alcohol-related incidents.
To ensure safer celebrations, Ms. Kiran urged families and communities to set explicit “ground rules.” Her statement was clear: “Your celebration should not inflict harm on another human being—whether it is punching a man or punching a woman. It is simply not acceptable.”
Moreover, she encouraged parents to prioritize spending quality time with their children, focusing on nutritious meals during the festive period, and reviving storytelling traditions to cultivate values and resilience among younger generations. “Ask children not only what career they want, but what act of kindness they practiced today,” she suggested. “Our investment should be in raising good human beings.”
In her address, Ms. Kiran also acknowledged the vital role organizations and communities play in supporting initiatives like those at Shangri-La’s Treasure House Children’s Home. She praised resorts for their community engagement and corporate social responsibility efforts, noting, “It is amazing to see resorts giving back through environmental protection, schoolwork, and community support.”
Through these collaborative efforts, there is an optimistic vision for fostering a more positive and compassionate society, especially during a period fundamentally centered on goodwill and harmony.