Adi Salaseini Gonelevu is making waves in both academia and international law debate. Her journey is a dedication to both her studies and the empowerment of women.
As the eldest of six siblings – five sisters and one brother – she has always embraced leadership roles. Her inspiration to pursue law as a study and career pathway stemmed from her uncle, whose admission to the bar left a lasting impression on her as a young girl.
“I was in primary school when my uncle was admitted to the bar, and I thought, ‘Oh that looks like something I could do,” she recalled. “I also watched a lot of law TV series, and my parents would always say, ‘You love to talk, so why not make it count in the courtroom.”
Her academic journey has not been without challenges. She enrolled at The University of the South Pacific (USP) in 2018 and initially pursued a different programme before shifting to her current dual-degree studies.
In 2021, Gonelevu welcomed her son, which required her to adjust her academic load.
“Having my son required me to alter and manage my studies. I was doing a full load, but I then had to decrease it to two units per semester. It wasn’t easy, but I kept pushing forward,” she said.
Hailing from the province of Cakaudrove in the northern parts of Fiji with maternal links to Lomaiviti, Gonelevu is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Geography with a minor in French.
A standout moment in her student experience at USP was when she was selected to represent the University at The Hague Inter-University Law Debate Tournament 2025.
Initially hesitant to apply, the final-year student took on the challenge, driven by a personal philosophy of embracing opportunities that push her beyond her comfort zone.
“Last year, one of the former team members reached out and asked if I wanted to participate. I agreed as I thought this could be a great opportunity for me to put into practice on the international stage what I have learned at USP.”
Her dedication and hard work not only secured her a place on the team but also saw her appointed as team leader. “I was shocked when they told me I was team leader, but I am also very grateful that I have amazing team members, Samuela and Shivnesh. We work and blend very well together.”
For Gonelevu, participating in the international tournament is a chance to make a global impact.
“This platform is a chance to make a global impact, not just for myself, but for all the women out there who feel they don’t have a voice,” she said. “It’s a reminder that we can achieve great things, even when the road is tough.”
Beyond her legal aspirations, Gonelevu is passionate about advocating for women’s rights. As a mother and a student, she understands the struggles many women face in pursuing their dreams.
“Being a woman, especially in this day and age, is not easy. There are so many things that can make us scared to be loud, to be our own voice. But we have to keep fighting for equal opportunities,” she said.
Reflecting on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ Gonelevu emphasised the urgency of change.
“In the Pacific, progress is being made, but it’s gradual. Women are advancing, yet they often have to exert double the effort to be heard. It’s frustrating, as a man can enter a room and gain immediate respect, while a woman must continuously prove herself.”
Gonelevu also encouraged everyone to remain firm in their aspirations and not be swayed by the beliefs and opinions of others.
“Whatever you do, do it because you want to. Don’t listen to other people. This is your journey, and only you get to decide where it takes you.”
- USP Press
