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Aulola supports SPC's gender equality priorities
For 'Aulola 'Ake, joining Pacific Women Lead at the Pacific Community (PWL at SPC) has been both tough and joyful as she aims to contribute directly to the region's gender equality efforts.
Having lived in Tonga most her life it was a significant move to relocate to Fiji for her new role as Programme Officer at PWL, in the Human Rights and Social Development (HRSD) division.
'Aulola says it has been challenging yet hopeful, as she explores her new Fiji surrounding with her family.
"My children have adjusted well to being in Suva and we enjoy the simple things, like taking our daughter out to Albert Park or walking along the Nasese seawall."
'Aulola says she enjoys spending time with her two children and enjoys reading, watching stand-up comedy, and writing poetry in her spare time.
She joined PWL because the programme and its partners were familiar to her, but also she wanted to get more gender equalityinsights in the region. . The role came at an opportune time in her career.
“So far, I've enjoyed being able to work at regional level and to experience the diversity across the Pacific but more importantly, I enjoy supporting SPC member countries in progressing their gender equality priorities."
“I've always been an advocate for gender equality but when I had my daughter, I felt like I should be even more active in this pursuit because I'd want that kind of world for my daughter when she grows up. I do not want her to experience barriers based on her gender like owning land or limitations to have a career in any field that interests her,” she said.
As to the secret of how she balances her work-life goals, 'Aulola said prioritising tasks is still the way to go; making time for family while having a creative outlet - for her that’s writing poetry.
'Aulola also wants to advocate for youth who are looking at career pathways.
"Sometimes, we get caught up in the urgency and the pressures of figuring things out from the very beginning. But it's important to manage our own expectations and not worry too much about perfection. What's worth figuring out is what your values are as they will be the guiding compass for where and how far you want to go in life."
'Aulola is from Tonga and has paternal roots to Lakeba in the Lau Group of Islands, Fiji.
Prior to working at SPC, she was Senior Programme Manager for the Australian High Commission in Tonga, based in Nuku'alofa, managing various portfolios including economic governance, gender equality and infrastructure.
In her current role as a Programme Officer, since July 2024, she supports the team to manage PWL's portfolio of grants for SPC member countries and civil society organisations, provide technical advice, capacity building, planning, monitoring, and reporting at national and regional level.
'Aulola’s background is in international affairs and development holding both a BA and MA in International Relations from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and Monash University, Australia, respectively.
Author
Felix Lesinaivalu, Communications Assistant, Human Rights and Social Development (HRSD), Pacific Community (SPC) | [email protected]
