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Breaking ground in science

In a world where gender roles often dictate career paths, Rohini’s story is one of breaking barriers, nurturing change, and thriving in a field often underrepresented by women.

Over her 37-year tenure at the Pacific Community’s (SPC) Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees (CePaCT), she has become a trailblazer in genetic resources and a champion of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

From humble beginnings to transformative leadership

When Rohini joined CePaCT in 1987, it was a modest operation with just three staff members. Starting as a cleaner, she embraced every opportunity for growth, rising through the ranks to become a lab technician.

Her journey mirrors CePaCT’s evolution from a small Plant Tissue Culture/Regional Germplasm Centre to the Pacific’s largest genebank, employing 24 dedicated professionals and meeting international standards for phytosanitary measures.

“Being part of this transformation has been an incredible journey,” Rohini shares.

“I continue to take pride in contributing to such an essential cause.”

The science behind the lab

As a lab technician, Rohini’s role is vital to preserving and conserving the Pacific’s agricultural biodiversity. Her primary responsibility involves preparing artificial media to grow plants in vitro.

This intricate process requires precision in maintaining the right pH levels and ensuring sterile conditions to avoid contamination—critical to the survival of plant samples.

She also contributes to the research and development of tissue culture for crops like coconuts, yams, and cassava.

“Every step of my work ensures that crops are resilient, disease-free, and ready to support the Pacific’s agricultural sustainability,” Rohini explains.

A lifelong love for science

Rohini’s fascination with plants began in her youth. She marvels at how these silent sentinels of the Earth, lacking immune systems or white blood cells like animals, have evolved to defend against pests and diseases.

Her work at CePaCT reflects this passion, as she contributes to global efforts in combating food insecurity, environmental degradation, and poverty.

Rohini finds immense satisfaction in inspiring the next generation.

“When young minds visit SPC’s genebank, I see the seeds of a brighter future being planted. It’s fulfilling to know I play a role in shaping leaders who will care for our environment and communities.”

Rohini’s career has also been a testament to breaking stereotypes about women in science. She acknowledges the challenges she faced early on in a male-dominated field but celebrates the progress made. At CePaCT, women now form a majority of the team, a shift Rohini views as a beacon of hope.

“I become more inspired when I look at young minds and our future leaders of the Pacific from high schools and universities visit SPC’s genebank to learn how to look after our environment, help eliminate social issues and improve the Pacific way of life and thinking that I was just a stepping stone to achieve something greater in decades to come,” she notes.

“The more women succeed in STEM, the more we dismantle outdated notions of gendered roles.”

Championing gender equality beyond the lab

Beyond her scientific contributions, Rohini is an advocate for women’s rights and gender-based violence awareness. At SPC, she fosters a culture of inclusivity, actively listening to and supporting her colleagues. In her personal life, she empowers women in her community and family, reminding them of their strength and potential.

“Empowerment begins with self-belief. In addition, I try to be proactive about raising awareness within my community and in my family from Suva, Navua and Tavua. I believe that empowerment starts with self-belief, and I remind the women in my circle that they have the strength and potential to achieve whatever they set their minds to.”

Rohini’s journey is more than a career in plant genetics; it is a story of resilience, growth, and empowerment. As she continues her work at CePaCT, her legacy inspires not only the preservation of the Pacific’s agricultural heritage but also the next generation of women leaders in science.

CePaCT is the Pacific’s main regional genebank and was established in 1998 by SPC as part of its long-term investment in sustainable food-secure Pacific.

CePaCT is internationally recognised as a focal point for plant genetic resources for food and agriculture in the region contributing to food and nutrition security and sustainable livelihoods.

n Dominique Vinckenbosch is a communications officer, and Natasha Begum is the communications head with the Land Resources Division of the Pacific Community (SPC).

Natasha

Rohini with colleagues. Picture: SUPPLIED

Rohini working in the lab. Picture: SUPPLIED

Rohini working in the lab

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