By MONIKA SINGH
THE Assistant Minister for Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, was officially sworn in as the Minister today.
Her appointment follows Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s decision to dismiss Lynda Tabuya from the ministerial role amid public debate over the circulation of a viral explicit video, allegedly of her, which was circulated on social media.
Mr Rabuka had requested an explanation from Ms Tabuya regarding the video.
“I have decided to exercise the power conferred upon me by Section 92(3)(b) of the Constitution, to dismiss her as a Minister, with immediate effect,” Mr. Rabuka said in a statement.
Ms. Tabuya will remain a Member of Parliament.
“This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but one that is necessary in the best interest of the people that we serve,” the Prime Minister added.
Ms. Tabuya said there was nothing scandalous or illegal or immoral about sharing private videos and images between two consenting adults who are in a relationship, “in this case me and my husband”.
In a statement she said she was dealing with the grim reality of what two thirds of women and girls in Fiji faced, and that is technology facilitated gender-based violence, or online violence.
“This type of violence occurs when private images and videos are circulated publicly with the person’s consent. It is a grievous form of cyber bullying and must stop if we are truly committed to ending violence against women and girls in Fiji.”
Ms. Tabuya said women, especially women leaders such as herself, get attacked 10 times more than men on social media and are targeted politically, calling for putting a stop to such crimes.
“I represent every woman and girl who is dealing with this daily with their families in Fiji and it is my duty to continue to speak up against this crime, and even more so when I am personally facing it.
“I have evidence of one such person sharing it on email and I will be filing a police complaint against him under the Online Safety Act and the Crimes Act. Let me make this very clear: the circulation of private images and videos, whether real or appears to be real (doctored or AI generated) without the person’s consent is a crime.
“I warn anyone who is sharing the video through messenger or email or any online platform that you are committing a crime and will be held accountable and face serious legal consequences.”
The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre executive director Shamima Ali, in an interview with ABC News, said she was concerned that Ms. Tabuya’s dismissal would deter women from reporting their experiences of online gender-based violence.
Ms Ali said gender-based violence perpetrated via technology made up to 10 per cent of her organisation’s workload.
She said the country was riddled with the patriarchal culture.
Ms Ali expressed her concern at the double standard being applied where “women are judged by what they do in the bedroom consensually”.
Meanwhile, in a statement shared on the Ministry of Women’s social media platform, Ms. Kiran acknowledged her predecessor, Ms. Tabuya, for her dedication and contributions to the ministry.
“Her leadership has laid a foundation upon which we will continue to build. The journey to empower women, protect children, and uplift the most vulnerable in our society is not the work of one individual but a collective effort sustained over time,” she said.
Ms. Kiran reaffirmed her commitment to addressing key challenges, recognising the critical role of women as the backbone of families, the workforce, and communities. She also acknowledged the barriers many women face and emphasised the need for initiatives promoting women’s economic empowerment, gender equality, and leadership opportunities.
She highlighted combatting child abuse, supporting vulnerable families, and fostering safe and hopeful environments for children as essential focuses of the ministry.
Regarding assistance for vulnerable community members, Ms. Kiran pledged to review and enhance social protection programs to ensure they are inclusive, effective, and responsive to people’s needs.
Additionally, she stressed the importance of combating gender-based violence by strengthening prevention programs, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable.
Mr Rabuka and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad also attended the ceremony.
