Attack on article

THE Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is extremely disappointed at The Fiji Times article (6/10) “Too Short To Handle” written by Harold Koi.

We believe the article is not only irresponsible journalism but also highlights how an ill-formed personal opinion can be viewed as a credible source of information when news outlets allow its publication.

We believe the views expressed by the writer are very sexist in nature. We believe it reinforces the myth that women ask to be raped or be sexually harassed by their dress or behaviour. Articles of this nature creates an environment of intimidation and fear for women and encourages perpetrators. With the high rates of rape and extreme cases of domestic violence in Fiji, we believe such illinformed views further encourage victim blaming.

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre for 35 years now has been advocating for gender equality and equity through working towards the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls and sees this as taking us back and discouraging.

We believe women are blamed for the harassment and violence they suffer because of their clothes. Despite the overwhelming evidence as to who gets raped — the youngest in Fiji being 4 months old and the oldest being 90 years inclusive of women, girls and children with disabilities. It’s perpetrators, not skirts that are responsible for rape. The Fiji Times has been a trusted media outlet for 150 years. Please do not let the women of Fiji down. MASHNIL SHINOY

Staff: Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, Suva