PASS-CR Scholar Highlights Fijian Women’s Role in Climate Change at Cornell University, New York.

Radhisha Nath, a PASS-CR scholar, recently attended the XVIII World Congress of Comparative Education Societies, themed “Fostering Inclusive Ecologies of Knowledge: Education for Equitable and Sustainable Futures.” Held at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, this gathering brought together scholars and educators worldwide to share knowledge and discuss pathways toward more inclusive and sustainable futures.

Radhisha shared her experience of presenting and the benefits to her research with us:

Presenting at the XVIII WCCES World Congress

As I stepped onto the stage at Cornell University for my presentation, I felt an acute feeling of anxiety. My presentation on “The Changing Role of Women in the Agriculture Sector and Their Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Sigatoka and Ba, Fiji” was distinctive compared to the more traditional research themes. Nevertheless, as I commenced my talk, I observed the audience’s captivated focus as I revealed the knowledge acquired from my research conducted in Fiji. The room was filled with intrigue, especially among the female participants, who appeared enthralled by the unusual yet inspiring narratives of Fijian female farmers. As I continued to explore my thesis, my nervousness dissipated due to the noticeable interest in the audience. The subsequent question and answer sessions were highly charged. Audience members in the session room enthusiastically raised their hands, eager to get further knowledge about Fiji’s agricultural techniques and the women leading the way in driving change. I experienced a strong sense of enthusiasm while answering enquiries regarding Fiji’s culture, climate difficulties, and the inventive methods employed by its female farmers. My paper provided valuable research and introduced the audience to a new and less familiar window that the room had never explored (Fiji), making it a standout moment of the session.

Benefits of the Conference to My Research

1.     Exposure and Validation – My research gained substantial visibility among an extensive global academic audience by being presented at a renowned international conference. Participants’ pleasant reception and active involvement indicated the significance and pertinence of my research.

2.     Unique Perspective - The uniqueness of my presentation on Fiji compared to other research areas underscores the originality of my work. The distinctiveness of my thesis is a notable strength since it showcased my ability to generate novel insights in the global academic domain.

3.     Cross-cultural Impact – The audience’s profound fascination and multitude of questions suggest that my research has ignited curiosity within the academic community. This interest has the potential to result in future partnerships, citations, or more research that expand upon my work. The Q&A session has offered helpful input and fresh insights that I may include in my thesis. The enquiries posed by scholars have brought attention to specific areas that require additional investigation or clarification.

4.     Refinement of Ideas – My presentation successfully filled a knowledge void regarding Fiji for numerous participants. This highlights the significance of my research in drawing attention to marginalised areas in agriculture and climate change studies. Presenting my study to a varied audience and addressing their enquiries has aided me in developing my thoughts and expressing my thesis with more clarity. 

This opportunity was made possible through the funding provided by the ACIAR PASS-CR program, which supported Radhisha’s participation in the XVIII World Congress of Comparative Education Societies. The involvement of PASS-CR scholars in such significant global events underscores their key roles in advancing research and contributing to the Pacific region’s academic and practical knowledge.

Acknowledgements

Radhisha extends her gratitude to her:

• Principal and co-supervisors – Dr. Mumtaz Alam and Prof. Rowena Maguire for their assistance and guidance throughout the entire journey.

• Family – for all the motivation and encouragement to apply throughout.