ONLINE-FACILITATED violence against people living with disabilities is becoming a growing “trend” in Fiji.
This warning was issued by Minister for Women and Children Sashi Kiran while opening the Workshop on Preventing and Responding to Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence for Persons with Disabilities.
Ms Kiran said while digital access had expanded opportunities, it had also exposed women and girls with disabilities to new forms of harm.
“For women with disabilities, technology is both a tool of empowerment and, without safeguards, a space of vulnerability,” Ms Kiran said.
“As digital access grows, risks of online harassment, stalking, exploitation, image-based abuse, misinformation, and impersonation grow with it.”
She said individuals within the disability community had personally reported bullying and image-based abuse, with the Deaf community particularly affected because their communication relies on facial expressions and video messaging.
“Bullying can cause irreversible harm, especially to young women who may withdraw from these platforms of communication and civic life.”
Ms Kiran highlighted a national-level example, recalling the backlash faced by a sign-language interpreter when parliamentary broadcasts first introduced live interpretation.
Instead of support, she said the interpreter received hateful comments about her appearance, clothing, and interpreting style.
Despite the emotional toll, the interpreter continued, knowing that deaf Fijians relied on her for accessible information.
She said Fiji’s 96 per cent connectivity brought both opportunities and risks, allowing people with disabilities to participate in learning, communication, and community life, but also exposing them to online violence.
“Tech-facilitated violence against disabled people is a significant and growing problem, reflecting and amplifying existing societal prejudices.”
Ms Kiran said ongoing efforts to use mobile technology for education and support must be paired with protection.
“We need to ensure that women and girls with disabilities are equipped to navigate digital spaces safely.”
