MORE women are breaking into traditionally male-dominated fields in Fiji.
The Fiji National University reported 991 female graduates at its Suva graduation ceremonies.
The three-day ceremony at the FMF Gymnasium saw 1,906 students graduate, with women accounting for more than half of the graduating cohort.
Among them was Dr Sereima Baleisomi, who graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Education.
Day one recorded 664 graduates, including 444 women, while day two recorded 531 graduates, including 374 women. Day three concluded with 711 graduates, including 173 women, mainly from the College of Engineering, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CETVET), the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC), and the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies (PCMS).
A major highlight of the final day was the graduation of 77 students from the NTPC apprenticeship programme.
Speaking at the ceremony, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, said Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) had become an important driver of national development.
“TVET is no longer viewed as a secondary pathway to success. It is now a strategic pillar of national development and economic resilience,” Gavoka said.
He said Fiji’s future depended not only on academic excellence, but also on technical expertise, innovation and practical skills.
FNU Vice-Chancellor, Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, welcomed the growing number of women entering engineering, maritime and technical training programmes.
“You did not turn away when you saw that you were outnumbered. Instead, you stood your ground and proved that if others can do it, so can you,” she told graduates.
FNU Chancellor and Council Chair, Alisi Talatoka Vudiniabola, said the university remained committed to supporting Fiji’s workforce development priorities through practical education, research and technical training.
She said the university aimed to help Fiji build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future through industry partnerships and innovation.
