As a Senior Research Analyst at WorldFish Lyn Vaike reflects on her life journey.
“My family loved fishing - it was a hobby and after class, my father would either help mum and us children do gardening or go out fishing. The sea was our source of protein and excitement always lightened up our faces whenever dad came back with his catches for the day.”
Brief background
My name is Lyn Vaike, a mother of four children. I hail from Reef Islands in the Temotu Province of Solomon Islands. I was born in Lata, the capital of my home province and as my father was a teacher and my mother a librarian, I spent most of my of my childhood days in three schools where they worked - Luesalemba Provincial Secondary School in rural Santa Cruz in my home province, Selwyn College National Secondary School in Maravovo, West Guadalcanal, and Waimapuru National Secondary School in Makira Province. As all these schools were located along coastal Solomon Islands and of course beside coastal dependent communities, surrounded by the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the Solomon Islands, I developed a deep appreciation for the marine environment and its significance to local livelihoods. My family loved fishing – it was a hobby and after class, my father would either help mum and us children do gardening or go out fishing. The sea was our source of protein and excitement always lightened up our faces whenever dad came back with his catches for the day. We would also buy fish from fishermen and women from the surrounding villages as well.
I pursued my education with a focus on social sciences and gender studies, driven by a passion for understanding and addressing inequalities. I completed my Post-Graduate Certificate in Gender Studies in 2019 and Bachelor Degree majoring in Sociology and Journalism in 2009 both from the University of the South Pacific in Fiji. Over the past decade, I have dedicated my career to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in various capacities. I have had the privilege of working with both government and UN agencies. My work has involved advocating for gender-responsive policies, conducting research and implementing programmes aimed at addressing gender disparities in different sectors.
Why gender in fisheries?
Gender intersects with fisheries in complex ways, influencing the roles, responsibilities and opportunities available to men and women engaged in the sector. Women play crucial roles in fisheries value chains, from fishing and processing to marketing and selling seafood products. However, their contributions are often undervalued and overlooked. Addressing gender inequalities in fisheries is not only a matter of social justice but also essential for sustainable development and poverty reduction. By promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in fisheries, we can enhance the sector’s productivity, resilience, and inclusivity, ultimately benefiting entire coastal communities.
Current role
As a Senior Research Analyst at WorldFish, my role revolves around mainstreaming gender considerations into fisheries research, policy and practice. I lead efforts to collect and analyse sex-disaggregated data, conduct gender-sensitive research, and develop capacity-building programmes aimed at enhancing the understanding of gender issues among stakeholders in the fisheries sector. I also engage in policy advocacy, partnership development and knowledge sharing to promote gender equality and social inclusion in fisheries.
What I’m looking forward to the most
I am particularly excited about the opportunity to apply my expertise in gender analysis and programming to the dynamic context of fisheries. Not only has that but as I am new in the fisheries space, I very much looked forward to building my knowledge and capacity in the space of gender in fisheries. Solomon Islands will soon have an updated National Gender Equity and Social Inclusion in Fisheries Policy and I see my entering this space as timely as I would be able to meaningfully support the implementation of the policy. WorldFish, a renowned organisation at the forefront of fisheries research and development, presents a unique chance for me to make a tangible difference in the lives of coastal communities. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to advance gender equality, social justice, and sustainable fisheries management in the Solomon Islands and beyond.
Contacts
Aymeric Desurmont, Team Leader - Fisheries Information and Knowledge, Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine Ecosystems, SPC | [email protected]
Tracey Holley, Science Networks and Knowledge Management Officer, Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine Ecosystems, SPC | [email protected]
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