Introducing myself and my journal: Pacific Peacewoman

About Me:
Currently the Executive Director of FemLINKPacific an organization I helped establish in 2000 emerging from the Blue Ribbon Peace Vigil.
I am a feminist and believe there is a connection between my faith and my feminism.
I am an avid advocate for gender equality and human rights and have been working to integrate UNSCR1325 into regional peace and security policy and practice as well as use the resolution together with CEDAW to enable women's participation in the transition to a return to parliamentary democracy as well as ensuring sustainable peace and development.
My personal blog is "asomewhatnewsharon" and this is my platform to share my journey with breast cancer since I was diagnosed and underwent a mastectomy in November 2010.
I believe in the power of communication to empower and engage and have been fortunate to work national radio and TV however today given the reality of the so called "mainstream" media landscape I believe community media/radio is what is needed to empower women especially in rural and remote Pacific Island communities

My Passions:
Writing, Peace, My family and my work, Investing in Young Women - we are paving the way for our daughters and sons!

My Challenges:
The current political situation in Fiji as well as the lack of resources to sustain the women's movement; Negative power structures within women's networks as well as the need to enable a stronger link between women's peace activism and human rights

My Vision for the Future:
When we can enjoy the freedom to speak, to create and celebrate peace and human rights without fear of intimidation; when we can all hold our head up high as feminists in all our diversities!

My Areas of Expertise:
Peace - Policy and Practice, Media and ICT Policy, Network building, Communication and Media productions; development of community media/radio networks; Gender Equality