Social media is the greatest impediment to women entering into politics, says former Supervisor of Elections and a constitutional lawyer Jon Apted.
While contributing to a panel discussion organised by Dialogue Fiji on Tuesday, he described Fiji’s social media as “extremely cruel, extremely sexist, extremely destructive” especially for women.
“Gays and women are the daily fodder of the trolls on social media,” Mr Apted said.
“Those who use social media, Facebook in particular, Fiji’s most popular platform, will know of Chat Fiji, the various forms of Chat Fiji that exist and how daily people’s personal intimate photos of couples lying in bed are put up, people’s pictures accused of having affairs with this person and that person are put up.
“That kind of exposure which goes unchecked is a great disincentive to women entering into the sphere because suddenly you become exposed, you become a target, both for your rivals and for just nasty trolls with nothing better to do.”
He highlighted the need for investment in the Online Safety Commission to tackle issues relating to social media.
“There is legislation in place that can be used to hold people accountable for what they post.
“Unfortunately no investment has been made in the Online Safety Commission in terms of budget, in terms of personnel.
“There’s been no investment in public awareness about what is appropriate and so that is another area that really urgently needs attention if women are going to feel more empowered to put themselves out in the public sphere.
“Start complaining to Government about social media and ask them to get that Online Safety Commission going.”
