Three female academics from The University of the South Pacific (USP) have become the first recipients of the Vice-Chancellor and President’s (VCP) Strategic Fund for Female Academics, which is designed to promote gender equity within the institution.
The Strategic Fund aims to aid female faculty members who are on the verge of earning academic promotions by allowing them to take time off from teaching to concentrate on their research and publications.
The honored individuals include Dr. Buriata Tofinga, a lecturer from the School of Business and Management, Dr. Amanda Ford, a senior lecturer from the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Oceans and Natural Sciences, and Dr. Hilda Waqa-Sakiti, the lead researcher and team leader at the Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia noted that the initiative was launched earlier this year in conjunction with International Women’s Day, which this year focused on the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”
“This initiative is a first at USP and demonstrates the institution’s commitment to increasing the representation of women in academia,” stated Professor Ahluwalia. “This transformative initiative is a crucial component of our strategy to enhance gender equity at USP.”
He extended his congratulations to the recipients and recognized the dedication of all female academics and researchers at USP, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in women’s advancement.
Dr. Tofinga’s research explores the effects of climate change on women’s livelihoods. “Our focus will be on Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and its role in shaping the social and economic practices of indigenous communities that are particularly vulnerable to climate change,” she shared. “This research is vital as it will provide valuable insights for discussions around gender empowerment and the significance of traditional knowledge in the Pacific.”
Dr. Tofinga added that the six-month teaching leave provided by the award is essential for female academics, allowing them to balance personal and family commitments with their professional aspirations.
Dr. Amanda Ford, whose research spans coral reef ecology, marine management, and marine pollution, aims to connect scientific research with practical management strategies. “My team is dedicated to supporting local communities and future generations in conserving coastal marine ecosystems and their resources,” she said.
Dr. Ford is currently leading two long-term projects that involve collaborators, students, and external partners, one of which is focused on establishing regional baselines for marine plastics in reef fish across four Pacific Island Countries and understanding local perceptions of plastic pollution. The second project investigates the impacts of benthic cyanobacterial mats on coral reefs in Fiji.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hilda Waqa-Sakiti is directing a pilot project to assess the health and stability of Fiji’s blue carbon ecosystems, such as mangroves and seagrass meadows. “This project aims to create a reliable tool for monitoring the health of these ecosystems in Fiji. Additionally, I lead the Pacific Ocean and Climate Crisis Assessment Project, which spans 16 Pacific countries, evaluating how Pacific Indigenous knowledge systems can complement Western scientific methods in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation,” she said.
Dr. Waqa-Sakiti pointed out that the research data generated will assist Pacific governments in framing policies and be instrumental in global discussions that advocate for the unique perspectives and experiences of the Pacific.