This interview shines a spotlight on the incredible women of the Solomon Islands, individuals who are not just dreaming bigger but actively purchasing those dreams through their professional journeys.
We’ll be hearing from a remarkable woman, Aydah Akao, who hails from the beautiful Malaita and Temotu Provinces.
Before dedicating herself to further studies, Aydah was an integral part of the dynamic team at Save the Children Solomon Islands.
Her career has been a proof to her passion for social justice, empowering marginalized communities, and championing inclusive development.
Join us as we look into her inspiring story and gain insights into how she’s rising to achieve her aspirations.
My name is Aydah Akao, and I am from Malaita and Temotu Provinces. Before pursuing further studies, I was blessed to have worked with a vibrant and hardworking team at Save the Children Solomon Islands. My career has been dedicated to advancing social justice, empowering marginalized groups and communities, and promoting inclusive development.
Question: What initially sparked your interest in pursuing this postgraduate diploma?
I am currently pursuing my Master Program here at the University of the South Pacific, Laucala Campus in Suva, Fiji, thanks to a SIG scholarship which has enabled me to complete my Postgraduate Diploma in Social Policy and Administration so far. My interest in pursuing further studies was sparked by a deep need to broaden my understanding of social services and to critically examine why the Solomon Islands has been slow in its growth and development in this area. I am particularly motivated to learn from comparative research studies in countries where social services are more advanced, especially within contexts similar to the Pacific region. I observed that in the Solomon Islands, social services are yet to be treated as a national priority, with pressing issues such as child protection, mental health, gender-based violence, and more recently, drugs, steadily increasing. Addressing these challenges requires well-designed policies, effective implementation, and clear, achievable goals across both government and private sectors. By undertaking this program, I aim to strengthen my knowledge base, draw lessons from regional experiences, and contribute to shaping policies that can better respond to the urgent social needs of our country.
Question: Reflecting on your study journey, what were some of the most significant challenges you encountered, and how did you overcome them?
In my study journey, one of the most significant challenges I encountered as a mother is balancing family responsibilities with my academic commitments. Adjusting to a new environment was also difficult, as it required time for my family to adapt. With a toddler, children in school, and my own studies to manage, the demands often felt overwhelming. Despite these challenges, I found strength in trusting and believing in God. My faith gave me resilience and hope during difficult times. I also banked on the encouragement and unwavering support of my husband, fellow student colleagues, course coordinators, supportive families here in Suva and back home, and friends who constantly messaged and offered encouragement. Through this combination of faith and a solid support system, I was able to overcome the obstacles I faced and continue progressing in my studies.
Question: In your opinion, what were the most critical factors that contributed to your success in completing your postgraduate diploma?
The most critical factors that contributed to my success in completing my postgraduate diploma are my faith in God, family support, adaptability, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose. I know the extra strength has been from God, who has helped me to stay grounded during difficult times and reminded me that challenges are part of a greater plan. To progress in life, we have to take that leap of faith and accept difficulties and challenges as our learnings and stepping stones to success.
Question: How do you see your postgraduate diploma impacting your ability to contribute to your community in the Solomon Islands or your professional field?
This Postgraduate Diploma in Social Policy and Administration has deepened my understanding of social development, the theories of social inequality, and important research methodologies in humanities and social science. It has equipped me with analytical, research, and practical skills grounded in the Pacific context to address pressing issues in social development. With this knowledge, myself and other student colleagues hope to advocate for effective social policies and help bridge the gap between policy and practice, promoting initiatives that are both contextually relevant and impactful.
Question: What specific aspects of your studies or experiences have been most empowering for you personally, and how have they shaped your perspective on leadership or professional development?
Some of the most empowering aspects of my study experience is the opportunity to navigate a new environment together with my family, it taught us to operate as a team, support one another and broaden my children’s knowledge about our rich Pacific cultures through our contacts in church and at their schools.
My studies have also helped shaped my perspective on how I view myself as part of a bigger Pacific community. I feel that if we as Solomon Islanders embrace the notion of being part of a Pacific community belonging to a ‘Sea of Islands’ as described by Hau’ofa (Hau’ofa, 1993) and remember that we are historic ocean farer people who are strong and connected by our Pacific Ocean, we could help in changing the narratives or perspectives people have of us. We are not just dots on the global maps or ‘least developed’, we are rich in culture and natural resources (land and sea) and have a strong, young and growing human resources. Having this in mind, maybe we could embark on an alternative development approach, one that fits our local context and is inclusive.
Question: Looking back, what advice would you give to other women from the Solomon Islands or anyone considering further education, especially at the postgraduate level?
The advice I would give to other women who are doing wonderfully in our communities and workplaces in our beautiful Solomon Islands is to take the leap of faith and pursue further education with courage and a clear sense of purpose. The journey will not be easy, especially for us women, when balancing family responsibilities, cultural expectations, and academic demands, but it is deeply rewarding. Most importantly, keep in mind why you are studying, you are not just advancing your professional skills and knowledge but rather to uplift your community, and create opportunities for future generations.
Question: Finally, If you could share this achievement with anyone, who would it be, and who were the key support systems that drove you to complete your postgraduate diploma?
If I could share this achievement with anyone, it would be with my children and my husband, who have been my greatest sources of encouragement and strength throughout the journey. Their unwavering support, patience, and belief in me made it possible to balance the demands of family life with the challenges of study. My husband’s constant encouragement and my children’s presence reminded me of the importance of perseverance and setting an example for them. Above all, I acknowledge and thank God, my source and the key to success in everything we do. My faith reinforces that this accomplishment is not just mine alone, but a shared victory with my family and a testament to God’s grace and love.& a story title
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