Fijian WLI Alumna Tirisiane Logavatu says attending the recent United Nations Climate Conference, COP29, broadened her understanding of women’s contributions to, and challenges entering, the global climate dialogue.
Tirisiane is an Alumna of the Women’s Developmental Leadership Program who is currently undertaking her Master of Public Policy at The Australian National University (ANU).
A senior parliamentary researcher at the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji, Tirisiane is passionate about understanding and increasing women’s political representation, as well as factors preventing or enabling women being elected to parliament.
In November 2024, Tirisiane travelled to Baku, Azerbaijan to participate in COP29 as part of a delegation of Pacific and First Nations ANU students and researchers – through the university’s Climate Alumni Program.
In a recent interview with ANU, Tirisiane explained how her participation in the conference ‘enhanced’ her perception of pervasive gender gaps and how they impact women globally.
Tirisiane has extensive experience providing research and advice to Fijian Members of Parliament on economic affairs and gender equality – including to mainstream gender equality in parliamentary work.
She applied to participate in ANU’s COP29 delegation to enhance her understanding of women’s contributions to the global climate dialogue.
“Going to COP29 really enhanced my perception of gender gaps in climate negotiations. Attending the panel discussions on gender, women and girls showed me the diverse challenges they face,” Tirisiane told ANU.
According to Tirisiane, a highlight of her experience was networking with the only Fijian female district representative participating the conference.
“I was so impressed by her work and learning about how we can create opportunities to encourage more women to represent Fiji,” Tirisiane said.
Upon completion of her studies, Tirisiane hopes to inspire young women to take on leadership positions for community development and intends to establish a mentoring program specifically for aspiring Fijian women politicians.
