Utilizing faith-based principles in social science research, together with the platforms of the Association for Baha'i Studies, has created a community of scholars to share ideas and research. These scholars and their mutual support within the Baha'i community, are part of an ongoing process to contribute towards academic discourses and innovate in science, based on social teachings that envision global social transformation. This presentation looks at a case study of one such contribution.

Ashiyan Rahmani's Ph.D. dissertation at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (2013-2018), involved qualitative research in Fiji, looking at how women leaders utilize mobile devices to interact with community radio. This interaction enhances women's participation in governance and strengthens communal resilience to extreme weather conditions. Gender equality and rural development, two important principles underlying both this electronic co-operation and the research, were inspired by the Baha'i Writings. Findings of the study were presented at the Association for Bahai Studies’ North American Annual Conference, and between conferences working group discussion provided a space for consultation.

The strength of the mutual bonds across the Baha'i world developed deep friendships within, the Fiji Baha'i community, and secured a focus group, a supportive translator, and a cultural liaison officer. These bonds both assisted in data collection and gave a strong connection to the Fijian Baha'i community of friends, which further decolonized the paradigm and hence the research. To view the video please visit our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/0tfj90kQYXY