Stakeholder representatives from fisheries government ministries, educational institutions, and development partners relevant to the fisheries and gender sectors.
[18 September 2024: Nadi, Fiji]: Micro-qualifications play a crucial role in addressing the skills gap within the workforce. After a thorough development, vetting, and review process – supported by the European Union and the Government of Sweden through the USP component of the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) programme – regional industry experts endorsed the Pacific’s first-ever micro-qualification in building Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) capacity for Fisheries Practitioners. This endorsement took place on Friday, 23rd August.
“Micro-qualifications are certifications recognized within the Pacific Qualifications Framework that focus on specific skills or knowledge in a particular area, typically shorter and more specialized than traditional degrees or certifications,” said Lavenie Tawake, USP PEUMP Project Team Leader at the closing of this weeklong deliberations. “Holders of this micro-qualification will gain foundational knowledge and competencies in GESI theoretical concepts and frameworks.”
Additionally, individuals earning this micro-qualification will be equipped to identify and address biases and misconceptions, apply relevant GESI analysis tools – such as time-use surveys, the gendered division of labor, and access to resources – and implement GESI-sensitive engagement strategies, including inclusive facilitation techniques for diverse stakeholders.
“There is currently no systematic process in Tuvalu that informs legislation or policies where GESI aspects can be incorporated,” noted Tanene Teo, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator for the Gender Affairs Department in the Office of the Prime Minister of Tuvalu while attending the endorsement event/meeting. “This micro-qualification is well-suited to addressing the needs of both our government and the fisheries sector, especially in considering gender inequality.”
During the endorsement meeting organized by USP, Ms. Tooreka Teemari, Director of the Coastal Fisheries Division of Kiribati’s Ministry of Fisheries, Marine and Resources Development, emphasized the importance of a new capacity-building course. Ms. Teemari stated, “This course will be very important for our learners, to build their capacity in mainstreaming GESI within their programs across the relevant ministries and at community levels.”
Graduates will advance their career pathways in national or regional fisheries agencies, non-governmental and civil society organizations in the area of fisheries planning, programming, service delivery, and/or policy development to mainstream GESI dimensions.
“This micro-qualification on GESI gives us a very good view of how we can approach fisheries in a way that includes gender.” said Dr Ravinesh Ram, Lecturer, Fiji National University who also attended the endorsement meeting. “And from an educator perspective, this training program would also serve as a baseline for Fiji, reaching out to communities, and working together.”
This micro-qualification is expected to be delivered after undergoing the final process of accreditation by the Pacific Community’s Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP). USP PEUMP will further support the delivery of these programs through sponsorship of the first cohorts across the Project’s targeted countries in the Pacific.
As one of the key implementing partners of the PEUMP Programme, USP plays a central role in this EUR 45 million initiative, which promotes sustainable management and ocean governance for food security and economic growth, while addressing climate change resilience and marine biodiversity conservation.
