JUDY Wise, the young woman who has sparked an avalanche of discussion on women and human rights issues after her claim of sexual harassment was posted on social media, says she was forced to find a platform to be heard because what happened to her was “wrong”.
“I knew it was wrong and I wanted it addressed,” she said.
“Personally, I felt it was taking too long for my complaint to be addressed so I persisted with the case, empowered by the teachings I have had at home, at school, and at church.
“I am also fortunate that my father was very supportive from the first time I shared those terrible experiences with him and stood by me throughout.”
Judy is the only daughter of former national soccer rep Patrick Wise.
Speaking for the first time to the media, Ms Wise claimed former Fijian Holdings Ltd (FHL) Group CEO Nouzab Fareed sexually harassed her on a number of occasions this year.
She said she was disappointed about the manner in which her case was handled from the beginning.
“I didn’t understand why nobody focused on the real issue — my rights as a woman, as an employee and as a human had been breached by someone I had a lot of respect for.
Ms Wise denied that her complaint had a political element.
“The first time I went to see Lynda Tabuya was the first time I met her. The same thing with lawyer Tanya Waqanika. I had never met her before.”
Ms Wise also acknowledged the support of her fiancé.
“I am engaged and very committed to my partner who has been a tower of strength throughout this ordeal. I also come from a good solid background and was taught early to recognise right from wrong. I was brought up to always stand for the truth and for what is right.
“Mum and dad are always talking to me about life, I was always told to take the right path, to always be honest, and to speak up when something is wrong.
“I lodged the complaint because I don’t want any other woman to go through what I did.”
Ms Wise said she was taught to respect authority at home but she was also taught to stand up for herself if she felt violated or bullied.
“Apart from the lessons learnt at home, I can remember that in school we were taught to speak out and speak up when there was injustice.
“We were taught about empowerment and not to be silent if we thought something was wrong.
“But, what I have found from my experience was that the people who are in positions of power and who have a responsibility to address your concerns do not always act appropriately.
“So awareness on the issue should also be driven and targeted at employers who have to deal with these kinds of complaints, they need to know that it is their job to address it.”
Mr Fareed resigned from FHL on December 20, claiming he did so on his terms and that nobody had forced him to.
He has denied the sexual harassment claims and any wrongdoing on his part.
