Project Advisors
Juanita Matanga (OBE, QPM) is the Deputy Commissioner National Operations, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and her focus while serving her country is to provide justice and fairness to all. During her time as executive member, she was instrumental in introducing initiatives to the RSIPF to support the work of policing including the establishment of the SEIF Ples, setting up of a Sexual Assault Unit and establishment of a Women Advisory Network Committee to pursue issues affecting women officers in the RSIPF.
Juanita is one of the female pioneers to enter into the Executive in 2012 and has been performing her duties with integrity and pride.
During her free time, she enjoys swimming and interaction with different people to listen to their stories, their challenges and their views about her country. She is also interested in following current affairs to know what is happening around the region.
Rev. Dr. Ben Wate is the Head of the School of Humanities and a Senior Lecturer in Social Science and Religious Studies within the Faculty of Education and Humanities. He teaches courses in Peace and Conflict Studies, as well as Religious Studies, which encompass Church and Society and Major World Religions. Additionally, he instructs history courses that cover Pacific Migration History and Church History.
Rev. Dr. Ben Wate holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, which he earned in 2020. He obtained a Master of Science (MSc) degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science in the United Kingdom in 2009, and a Bachelor of Divinity from the Pacific Theological College in Suva, Fiji, in 2004.
Dr. Ben Wate’s doctoral research focuses on the interplay between indigenous cultural dynamics and conservative theological beliefs, as well as the paradox of local Christian women’s empowerment, development, and leadership. He examines the historical impact of missionary activities and colonialism on Christianity in Oceania, with specific reference to the Solomon Islands. The study further explores the various agencies through which local women negotiate empowerment, development, and leadership within a subordinating and oppressive socio-economic and religious context, utilizing both cultural and Christian forms of agency.
Ms. Vaela Falefehi Ngai is the Director for the Women’s Development Division for the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA).
She has 15 years’ experience in ensuring the implementation, coordination, monitoring and reporting of the Solomon Islands Government’s international, regional and national commitments to addressing gender issues and issues of concern for women of Solomon Islands. Vaela has contributed to mainstreaming gender across different government ministries and sectors including providing leadership and guidance to the development of the first ever Solomon Islands legislation on Domestic Violence and its on-going implementation including ensuring timely and quality essential services for survivors of gender-based violence. Vaela is a strong advocator for the prevention of domestic violence and has provided leadership towards the development (in-progress) of the first-ever ending violence against women and girls prevention strategy in Solomon Islands.
Superintendent Piliota Viliamu is a senior leader in the Tuvalu Police Service (TPS) with 27 years of dedicated service. Currently heading the Land Force Operations Division, he has extensive expertise in general policing, criminal investigation, prosecution, and training. From 2022 to December 2024, he served as Acting Commissioner of Police, demonstrating strong leadership and coordination skills. Superintendent Viliamu holds a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (2013, Griffith University) and dual Master’s degrees in Cyber Security, Policing Intelligence, and Counter-terrorism, and International Security Studies (2019), earned through the Australian Award Scholarship scheme. He has completed numerous regional police trainings and leadership programs with the Australian Federal Police, New Zealand Police, and other partners. Committed to strengthening law enforcement and community safety, he continues to contribute to the security of Tuvalu through strategic leadership, professional development, and fostering regional policing collaboration.
Project Network
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