Genda Connections Communicate 20/10/16 - Speakers

Opeta Alefaio

Opeta Alefaio

Director of The National Archives of Fiji, Opeta Alefaio talks about finding his happiness through his work at the National Archives. A history buff/nerd, Opeta shares how through his passion for history, he's now contributing to Fiji's future.
Meli Tuqota

Meli Tuqota

Communications Designer, Meli Tuqota Jr. talks about creativity and how he drives himself to produce fresh, new ideas in his work. At #GendaConnections Communicate, Meli talks about how society forces us to 'grow up' once we reach adulthood and 'put aside childish things'.
Rajan Sami

Rajan Sami

Writer, Rajan Sami talks about a culture of "near enough is good enough" when it comes to producing high standards or quality of work in #Fiji. At #GendaConnections Communicate, Rajan talks about how Fijians can no longer afford to carry this attitude towards their work.

Robert Kennedy

Robert Kennedy

Fashion Designer, Robert Kennedy talks about creativity and communicating his identity through his textile, fashion and interior designs. A 4th-generation Fijian of Scottish descent, Robert at #GendaConnections shares his artistic journey through trials and tribulations of pursuing his creative passion and finding his design niche.
 
Lenora Qereqeretabua

Lenora Qereqeretabua

Television Presenter and Master of Ceremonies, Lenora Qereqeretabua shares a personal story of her diagnosis with Endometriosis and her experience in opting to go through with a hysterectomy surgery in Fiji. At #GendaConnections, Lenora talks about women's health, their hesitancy to communicate about their bodies and the lack of access for women to medical information in Fiji.
Noor Jahan Begum

Noor Jahan Begum

Radio Producer/Presenter, Noor Jahan Begum talks about her journey from being a housewife to becoming one of #Fiji's most loved radio presenters. At #GendaConnections, Noor talks about the Indian society's common perception for women; that once married, they should settle for children and family.
 
Andrew Paris

Andrew Paris

Researcher & Educator, Andrew Paris talks about job seeking and career prospects after graduating university. He expresses how obtaining a degree doesn't always guarantee you with a job. At #GendaConnections, Andrew shares his personal story about life after graduation and how arriving into an academic inflation in #Fiji, left him going down many different paths till he finally found something which he connected to.
Viraaj Lad

Viraaj Lad

Lead Photographer & Director of Fotofusion Photography, Asvin Singh shares his story from being a non-camera person to self-teaching himself to be one of Fiji's most sought after photographer. At #GendaConnections, Asvin talks about breaking norms. A professional Software Engineer, Asvin talks about his day job and how he manages his passion which has turned out to be a successful business venture on its own.
 
 
Curator of Genda Connections, Sharon Narayan talks about a culture of 'not being permitted to speak' in Fiji. She shares that be it in politics, their workplaces or homes, many society norms still cultivate a culture of silence in Fiji which allows space open to others for interpretation.