BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
Maree Rabaua, originally from Wagina in Choiseul Province, recently graduated with a Bachelor of Environmental Science from Griffith University in Australia under the Australia Awards Scholarship.
Growing up on a small island surrounded by ocean and forest, the environment has always been a part of who she is. Studying abroad has inspired her to act and play a role in protecting the environment.
“The opportunity to study under the Australia Awards Scholarship has shaped me into a more confident and capable version of myself,” she told SOLOMON WOMEN. “It gave me a deeper appreciation for our environment and what it genuinely means to care for it.”
Returning to the Solomon Islands, Maree faced harsh realities such as casual littering and flooded roads caused by clogged drains. These issues, she explained, come from a disconnect between our actions and the world around us.
“I believe leadership is not just a title or a position. Leadership means taking ownership of our actions and being willing to speak up about what we see,” she explained.
Her studies armed her with tools to tackle community problems head-on. “Though I’m still finding my way in terms of where I can effectively contribute, my environmental science studies have equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to understand the challenges faced by communities,” Maree said.
“Through my studies, I’ve learned to look at environmental issues more critically and to understand not just what is happening, but why it is happening,” she added.
Maree sees women in environmental fields bringing a vital, community-centered view to sustainability. Women naturally prioritize how environmental decisions affect families, communities, and future generations.
“I came to learn that considering social impacts alongside environmental outcomes has real importance,” she noted.
Her advice to Solomon Islands women considering a career in environmental science is simple: “Just do it. Do not talk yourself out of it before you even try, and do not let anything hold you back. I think a lot of young women here underestimate themselves, and I was no different.”
With the nation’s environmental challenges mounting, Maree emphasizes the need for more passionate women in the field. “We need more passionate people, especially women, to address the many environmental challenges our country is facing. There is so much to offer in this space, so if you have the interest, pursue it,” she highlighted.
Early in her career, Maree sees her qualification as a strong foundation for key discussions on protection and sustainable growth. “I hope to contribute to decisions that protect our environment, whether through policy development, community-level work, or simply influencing colleagues and people around me. Change does not happen overnight, but I’m confident in being part of that journey,” she said.
Living and studying abroad taught her independence, resilience, and leadership. Being far from family helped her grow confident and capable of taking responsibility.
In inspiring other women, Maree believes that simply showing up and being visible matters. “By being present in the field and sharing my journey, I hope other women will see that this path is possible for them too,” she said.
“I may not have everything planned out yet, but this is my journey to shape, and I am learning to trust the process as I continue to grow,” she added.
Waste management is an environmental issue Maree is particularly passionate about, especially its harm to oceans and waterways. Living by the sea makes it painful to watch it become a trash site.
“My study experience gave me knowledge and belief that change is possible, and that motivates me to be part of efforts to protect our oceans and waterways in the future,” she said.
As an alumna, Maree plans to boost women’s interest in environmental science by being upfront about both the ups and downs. She doesn’t wait for perfection to encourage others.
“I still have a lot to learn and a long road ahead, but I believe that is part of the point. You do not need to have arrived somewhere to encourage others to begin. If other women see that I am still figuring it out but showing up anyway, I hope it helps them realize that they can do it too. I hope to be someone’s inspiration to take that first step,” Maree said.
Through her achievements, Maree Rabaua is not only contributing to environmental protection but also inspiring a new generation of women in the Solomon Islands to take bold steps toward science, sustainability, and leadership.
