Speaking during a panel discussion on technology-facilitated gender-based violence in political life, National Coordinator for the Fijian National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls, Laisani Peterson says online abuse can silence women, damage their reputation and create fear about participating in public life.
She says violence against women online should not be treated separately from violence experienced offline, as both can be linked to gender inequality, power imbalances and harmful social attitudes.
Peterson says women should be able to speak, lead, campaign and participate in public and political life without fear of abuse or retaliation.
She says addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence should not be left to survivors to address alone.
Peterson says Government, political parties, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations, communities and online platforms all have a responsibility to respond.
She says political parties should have clear codes of conduct, condemn online abuse and support women candidates and leaders who are targeted.
Peterson says parties should also ensure their members and supporters are not contributing to harassment, misinformation or intimidation.
She says clear reporting processes and support services are needed for survivors, while online platforms should remove harmful content quickly and cooperate with authorities.
Insert:Peterson on women. 24th Sep, 26
Peterson says the Online Safety Commission has also become a signatory to Fiji's revised service delivery protocol, providing another avenue for people to report online harm through its toll-free number 1548.
She says preventing technology-facilitated gender-based violence is not only about online safety, but also about ensuring women and girls can participate in public life safely and confidently.
