THERE is no beginning to becoming an advocate, says Dr Rajni Chand.
An academic by profession, she feels strongly about gender equality and has been raising her concern through a volunteer organisation.
Dr Chand, the president of Women's Information Network-Fiji (WINET-Fiji), says more than 50 per cent of Fiji's population's are women, yet we have gender imbalance in almost all sectors of society such as education, politics, human rights and law.
The determined and confident woman has been voicing out and fighting for the rights of women since the establishment of WINET-Fiji in 2001.
"Women and children are the most affected in society. WINET-Fiji targets the health, wealth and well-being of women.
"Our activities look at issues that concern women's health, their wealth and well-being.
"We have the skills in our organisation, members are eager to contribute to the community but many of our projects are on hold because of lack of funds," said Dr Chand.
The Labasa woman believes she has an obligation to women of Fiji.
"I had the opportunity to excel academically but many women miss the opportunity because of circumstances.
"Many women are earning inadequately, some have limited skills and knowledge to gain status in society.
"A woman cannot contribute to other women alone, there is a need for a group effort, so working with an NGO is better."
Dr Chand is the divisional head for English in the School of Language, Arts and Media at the Faculty of Arts and Law at the University of the South Pacific in Laucala Bay.
In their own way, all women are an advocate says the mother-of-two children.
"When a woman objects to another woman's exploitation in any form, a woman becomes an advocate.
"I was brought up to respect others, believe in equal rights and preach good principles."
Her priority is to make sure any activity WINET-Fiji does will benefit women.
"Ever since my involvement with WINET-Fiji, I have realised one thing -- ideas for community work comes from the people, not from sitting in the office.
"Working with women from different works of life, listening to their views and ideas is the best education one can get for NGO activities."
She said there was a need for more academic women to be involved with NGOs and be a voice for women. For any community-based activity, she says there is a need for support from the grassroots to avoid unnecessary duplication of service.
"NGOs need to know the community they want to work in, the best time and venue for workshops, what constitutes the community, etc.
"Most of the time, NGOs are criticised by donor organisations for duplicating work.
"We need to work together to provide specialised service rather than inefficient and confusing information."
Besides being a women's advocate Dr Chand finds her work at USP challenging and interesting.
"Working for USP gives one experience of working with, teaching and meeting learners from other Pacific countries.
"It is a unique experience. Many unis in the world do not provide the diversity that USP gives."
She says there is still a lot to learn and life is too short. Believe in yourself is her message to all women.
