Bula readers, this week, I was ecstatic when I turned on the television to watch the BBC World News headlines and there in full view on the screen was our very own Cheerieann Wilson the Fiji TV news anchor, who was describing the effects of the tragic volcanic eruption in the neighbouring Kingdom of Tonga.
It was indeed a proud moment for Fiji as our local news anchor spoke with confidence and poise as she delivered her news segment to the world.
This got me thinking about all the women in Fiji who contribute so much to the nation and are making waves in so many sectors of society. We have a wonderful array of women who make a difference to people’s lives on a daily basis and there are indeed too many to name and there impact on the nation can never be forgotten.
I thought to name just 10 women some well known others not as prominent but they have all worked hard during 2021 to make a difference to society and inspire and encourage other women to reach for the stars and succeed in what they do. You could name so many women who have contributed to the nation in 2021, but this list is just a tiny fraction of the strong and powerful voice of the women in our nation.
Cheerieann Wilson – Fiji Television Ltd’s news anchor, previously she was in Papua New Guinea, where she assisted in the formation of Click TV PNG’s news service. On her return to Fiji, she once again joined Fiji TV operations and is now a welcome addition to the highly competent news team.
Dr Aalisha Sahukhan – head of Health Protection for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, in 2011 she became a medical intern after completing her studies at the Fiji School of Medicine, after this she studied at the Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta Georgia, before returning to serve her nation.
Cathy Wong – a career physiotherapist by profession and wears many hats in the sporting field. She has also been the former team Fiji chef de mission and has a wealth of experience as a sports administrator which has led her to become the first woman from the Pacific to be appointed to the World Rugby Council.
Glenis Yee – holds a first degree in Commerce and a Master’s degree in Law from Bond University, along with a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment from the Financial Services Institute of Australasia. She was Legal Counsel to Fiji’s largest life insurer and is currently Partner at Munroe Leys law Firm.
Nalini Singh – executive director of Fiji Women’s Rights Movement and is a social development specialist with more than 20 years’ experience in design, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation of women’s rights and development programmes in Asia Pacific.
Fantasha Lockington – the chief executive officer for the Fiji Hotel & Tourism Association and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors with a Masters of Business Administration from the University of the South Pacific. She is known for her inclusive and encouraging leadership skills.
Ana Tuiketei – a well-known lawyer in Fiji and was made a Judicial officer in 2021 for World Rugby, in addition to this she become the first Pasifika female to be listed as an Arbitrator with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Ana has also spent time in London within the legal system gaining valuable experience.
Laisa Vulakoro – also known as the Queen of Vude, has defi ed the odds and become a household name in the music industry since the 1970s and 1980,s, it was especially hard during these times in the male dominated entertainment industry. She also battled health issues but has bounced back and today is a true trailblaser and icon in Fiji’s music industry.
Captain Seini Koroitamana Cornish – a seasoned commercial aircraft pilot, who through her hard work and commitment has progressed to become a Fiji Airways A330 aircraft Captain, becoming the first female to command a widebody aircraft in the National Airline’s illustrious 70- year history.
Captain Sainimere Qutonilaba – has been involved in the male dominated maritime and shipping industry for a while now and regardless of the pressures that have been placed upon her she has defied the odds in becoming the fi rst female captain for Goundar Shipping.
As said before, there are so many inspirational women that can also be added to this list from so many sectors where they are making headway for themselves, like the Fijiana rugby team, all the working mothers, single mothers, social workers, teachers, medical personnel, market vendors, farmers, agriculturists, engineers and the list goes on.
For me, I can only imagine some of the struggles that women continue to go through in Fiji as we have a national shame of having one of the highest rates of domestic violence and sexual violence against women in the world. Finally, regardless of this, these 10 women and thousands more just like them continue to excel against the odds and I for one am grateful to them as they clear the path for the next generation of young girls and women to fulfill their full potential in our beloved nation.
AJAY BHAI AMRIT is a founding member of The Peoples Alliance party and is also a freelance writer. The views expressed in this article are his and does not necessarily refl ect the views of this newspaper.
