ALITI Beitaki is not only defying gender expectations at work.
At 28, she’s also building bridges between geospatial science and land surveying at the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources.
Raised in Suva as the only girl among four siblings, Aliti’s journey into the world of geospatial science was unconventional.
Despite attending St Joseph’s Secondary School and not taking mathematics in senior high school, a core subject for many science careers, she managed to push through and pursue her passion.
“In Form 4, when we made our subject choices, I personally chose geography, biology, and chemistry; no maths,” she said.
“It was difficult because I was the only science student not taking maths. But the principal at the time allowed it because the exam criteria only required English and the best three subjects.”
Aliti enrolled at USP in 2016 and completed a bachelor’s degree in geospatial science by 2019.
She secured an internship with the Ministry of Lands, a stepping stone that launched her six-year (and counting) public service career.
Initially assigned to land administration, Aliti found herself applying her geospatial knowledge in practical settings.
Over time, she was encouraged to join the Fiji Public Service drafting survey examination program, a pathway for professionals in her field.
“One of the biggest challenges during the program was my lack of a math background. But that didn’t stop me. My team and the graduates I studied with helped me, with calculations, formulas and how to apply it in our work.”
Aliti says this supportive work environment helped her thrive. Eventually it earned her a 2025 graduation spot, as the only woman in her class.
“I started off with a few girls, but due to reasons like work and family, they couldn’t complete the course. I’m the only girl who graduated this year.”
Although she didn’t see herself working in land surveying originally, a field she once thought was not for women, her perspective has since changed.
“Now I know women can also go into this field. This program has really helped me understand how GIS connects with surveying and drafting.
“I work closely with surveyors every day, and now I feel confident moving across divisions.”
Still navigating and growing in her space, Aliti advises women in male-dominated fields — ‘do not be afraid’.
“It was difficult adjusting, coming from an all-girls school to a male-dominated field. But they’re all just humans. You share skills and knowledge, it’s not about leaving someone behind.”
“This field has changed. You get a lot of support. It’s no longer a place where you’re judged for being a woman.”
