ICDP is thrilled to announce a new virtual Talanoa exploring the vital, yet often overlooked, role of women in Pacific farmer organisations. Join Salote Waqairatu-Waqainabete and Anneliese Austin as they share their insights and experiences on bridging the data gap around women’s contributions to agriculture and farmer organisations in the region.
Accurate data on women’s participation in agriculture is crucial for designing more inclusive and effective programs that support equitable access to resources and opportunities.
This ICDP Dialogue will feature case studies on women beekeepers, tilapia farmers and others working in diverse areas of Pacific agriculture.
Together, participants will explore how women’s roles can be better recognised, documented and valued – and how this understanding strengthens their roles in farmer organisations and the wider agricultural sector in the Pacific.
If you are looking to engage with likeminded individuals, contribute to lively discussion on a critical topic or simply want to reconnect with our ICDP community, please join us for this important event.
Join us for the online dialogue on Thursday, 15 May 2025 from across the Pacific.
- 11:00AM-12:00PM Port Moresby & Sydney
- 12:00PM-1:00PM Honiara & Port Vila
- 1:00PM-2:00PM Suva & Auckland
- 2:00-3:00PM Apia & Nuku’alofa
OUR SPEAKERS
- Salote Waqairatu-Waqainabete is an aquaculture and agribusiness researcher with 20+ years of experience across research, academia, entrepreneurship, and international development in Fiji and the Pacific. Her expertise spans aquatic animal health, biosecurity, value chain innovation and strategic leadership in agriculture and fisheries. She established Garden Weavers Consultancy, co-owns Landscaping Solutions Fiji and has also studied Black Tiger shrimp genetics and their viral pathogens. Salote currently leads Fiji’s work in an ACIAR-funded agribusiness project focused on developing beekeeping and tilapia sectors through market-oriented and inclusive approaches, particularly through farmer organizations and key collaborations with the Fiji Government. She integrates science, policy, and community engagement to promote sustainable, profitable, and resilient Pacific food systems.
- Anneliese Austin is a PhD candidate and Project Coordinator with Bees for Sustainable Livelihoods within the Bee Research and Extension Lab at Southern Cross University, Lismore, Australia. Her research and professional work sit at the intersection of entomology, agriculture, and gender equity, with a strong focus on international development. Anneliese is working on projects supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) across Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Fiji. Driven by a deep commitment to gender-inclusive development, she is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for the transformative empowerment of women in agriculture. Her work goes beyond technical training to explore how agency, structures, and community relations can be reimagined to support women as leaders, innovators, and decision-makers within agricultural systems in the Pacific region.
Register here by Thursday, 8 May 2025 to confirm your attendance and receive a Zoom link.
Download the event flyer to share with anyone you think would be interesting in attending.
