A deeply spiritual young woman, 19-year-old AnnMary is a climate activist and the 2022 Fiji Children’s Award recipient. She was nominated for this award by her school in recognition of her growing advocacy on climate change and environmental sustainability. While AnnMary has received recognition from different national and international fronts for her work alongside other global young activists, she, like any other average teenager, also faces similar challenges of bullying and pressure from peers and even those older than her and in power. When it comes to resisting society’s expectations of her, AnnMary is grateful for the support of her family, especially her Mum and sisters, in forging ahead and encouraging her to be true to herself. When it comes to her main influencers in life, aside from her supportive family, including her late tukaqu (her paternal grandfather), AnnMary pays homage to the many women leaders in Fiji and the Pacific who have paved the way for her.
