Media can help shape women in leadership - Kiran

Minister for Women and former journalist Sashi Kiran has stressed that the media can play a crucial role in shaping women's leadership.

Speaking at the Pacific Media Partnership Conference 2025 in Suva, Kiran highlighted how media influences public perception and raised how women are portrayed — not just in success stories but as key decision-makers.

She says many people wake up and go to sleep with the radio and what the media says impacts their daily conversations, shaping how individuals think and interact.

She stressed the need to spotlight women beyond their achievements and into leadership roles.

Kiran says women making up only 7 percent of parliamentarians across the Pacific is the lowest representation globally.

Kiran says she has gone around asking women why there is less participation, and many have answered that it's an attitude issue.

When asked about protecting women journalists and public figures from online and public abuse, Kiran called for stricter laws, including stronger online safety regulations.

She says people need to be held accountable for harassment and questioned how abuse has become a norm.

The Minister says the conversation needs to happen at all levels within families, communities and society as a whole. While reflecting on her journalism career, Kiran recalled starting with Communications Fiji Limited, the parent company of FM96, LegendFM, Viti FM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, and fijivillage.

She further says she was the first journalist to present news in both English and Hindi, which broadened her perspective.

The Minister adds that in those days, they didn’t have Google for research and had to dig for information physically to prepare for interviews with ministers and senior officials, who wouldn’t hesitate to tear you apart if you didn’t have your facts right.

She recalled calling politicians early in the morning and questioning them on the spot, gaining insights into both media and governance.

Kiran transitioned into the NGO sector, believing more needed to be done and politics followed unexpectedly.