WORKING in a male-dominated field has failed to deter Senior Police Constable Shamshad Begum from carrying out her work and pushing past professional boundaries.
Constable Begum joined the Fiji Police Force in May 1999 and was transferred to Suva to serve at the Samabula and Nabua police stations before returning to Lautoka in 2007.
“It’s indeed challenging as we have chosen police as our career. It’s, I would say, indeed a challenging job for us as police officers,” she said.
Constable Begum, who’s based at the Adams Place police post in Lautoka, recently received a long service and good conduct medal in recognition of her years of service.
“Sometimes we are looked down upon as females, but we are able to do the same things that male officers do,” she said.
The changes that have taken place in the force over the years have also presented their own unique challenges for the Constable since her recruitment in 1999.
“When we joined in 1999, we were not really into the digital era, now it’s compulsory for us to be computer-literate,” she said.
Being born and bred in Lautoka has also helped Constable Begum carry out her role more efficiently in the community she serves.
“If you pursue a career that you love, then you won’t work a day in your life because you are doing something you are passionate about,” she said.
On a more personal level, Constable Begum has been able to balance her workload and time with her three children through the support she receives from her husband.
“I have three children, two girls and a boy, and I’m so thankful to them because they have been a pillar of strength to me,” she said.
Constable Begum said she has also had the opportunity to further upskill herself while working as a police officer.
“I have done internal courses offered by the police force and courses on my own. I’ve also done external courses from USP, (University of the South Pacific) for which I have received certificates. I believe that when you’re following your career path, you should continue your education and enhance your knowledge.”
Constable Begum also advised young women aspiring to be police officers to remain committed to setting and working towards their goals while also placing God at the centre of their lives.