Zahiya Saeed is a PhD researcher at Griffith University, Australia, whose work explores climate change adaptation, decentralisation, and gender-inclusive governance in the Maldives. Her research examines how local governance structures, political dynamics, and women’s participation shape climate adaptation at the subnational level in small island contexts. With a strong interest in locally led adaptation and climate-resilient communities, Zahiya’s work bridges governance, gender, and climate policy. Originally from the Maldives, she brings valuable contextual knowledge of small island vulnerabilities and governance systems to her research. She is also an author, illustrator, and entrepreneur, with a broader interest in creative approaches to communicating complex ideas.