Pacific Women in GIS - the story of Réseau Associate Salote Covilati

I hail from a village called Navutulevu, a coastal village in Serua Province, Fiji. Life by the sea shaped who I am - the ocean breeze, the sound of waves. I always knew I wanted to do something connected to the environment.

At first, I thought I’d study environmental science. But when I discovered geospatial science, something just clicked. It was this perfect blend of technology, maps, and environmental knowledge, and I could see how powerful it could be for our island communities.

In 2023, I graduated from the University of the South Pacific with a degree in Geospatial Science. Now, I work as the Technical Assistant for the Pacific Geospatial Women Network (PGWN) at SPC. It’s been such a rewarding journey so far.

When I first told my family about what I was studying, they didn’t fully understand what GIS was - but they supported me anyway. Being in a field that’s traditionally male-dominated wasn’t always easy, but I’ve been inspired by strong women around me. Seeing more women join the field gives me hope.

What I love most about geospatial mapping is how it helps us understand what’s happening on the ground, from cyclones and floods to rising sea levels. These are not just abstract issues; they’re real and personal for us in the Pacific.

Through my role, I’ve had the chance to travel to communities and train local women on how to map their resources using open-source GIS tools. We use a participatory approach, and traditional knowledge plays a big part in how we collect and understand the data. From replanting mangroves to reviving crab farms, it’s all about empowering women to protect and manage the natural resources they rely on.

Watching the women we train gain confidence - going from shy participants to community leaders - is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me why this work matters.

Some of the most powerful moments have come from the intergenerational learning that happens during our trainings. In villages like Votua and Daku, elders share their wisdom - things no satellite could ever capture like the timing of crab seasons or the best spots for planting native trees. These are things you don’t find on a map, but they’re just as important.

We’ve also been validating satellite data through fieldwork, helping shape tools like Digital Earth Pacific. Right now, we’re supporting the GIZ/MACBLUE project, working to protect blue carbon ecosystems in the region. It’s amazing to see how our local knowledge contributes to these bigger regional efforts.

For me, the ultimate goal is to make geospatial tools accessible to everyone - especially youth, elders, and decision-makers in the Pacific. I want village voices to be heard at national levels, and I believe maps are one way to make that happen. If you’re a woman thinking of entering this field, don’t let the stereotypes stop you. You don’t have to fit a certain mould. Just bring your passion and your purpose - the tools will follow.

Réseau Associate Salote Covilati

And I always carry my grandmother’s advice with me: “Mo vuli vakaukauwa, io mo kakua ni guilecava na Kalou, okoya ka solia na vuku”—  Which translates to “Work hard, and never forget God, because He is the one who gives wisdom.”

One of my proudest moments was seeing the maps I helped create included in a gender analysis report on Kiribati fisheries. Later, our PGWN project was recognised as one of SPC’s top five innovative initiatives. Now, other countries like Samoa and Kiribati are reaching out, wanting to replicate the same kind of community-led, women-driven mapping trainings. That’s when it really hit me - we’re creating something meaningful.

This isn’t just about maps. It’s about voices, empowerment, and making sure our communities are seen and heard - not just from above, but up close.

About the Author

Salote Covilati, hailing from the vibrant islands of Fiji, completed her degree in Geospatial Science from the University of the South Pacific in March 2023. Salote is now a Pacific Geospatial Women Network Technical Assistant at the Pacific Community.