The military environment remains a challenging space for women, acknowledged Navy Commander Commodore Timoci Natuva during a recent gender-responsive training workshop in Suva. The workshop, which catered to 30 servicewomen of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, focused on enhancing gender inclusivity within the military. Commodore Natuva pointed out that despite time and efforts, the perception and treatment of women in the military have seen little change since the 1980s and 1990s.
Natuva has emphasized the need for an organizational shift in respecting and dealing with women in the military to foster an inclusive environment. “One of my first actions in this role was to apologize for past wrongs against women, marking the commencement of a journey toward improvement,” he said. This commitment is evident in the development of strategic goals aimed at valuing people as the core of the organization, rather than just technology or monetary resources.
Leadership is pivotal, noted Cmdr Natuva, and he stressed the importance of viewing situations with empathy and understanding the challenges faced by all officers, irrespective of gender. This change in approach is crucial in valuing every member of the military equally.
Petty Officer Palu Sokoiwasa, a participant in the workshop, observed the positive reinforcement in recognizing the essential role of women in military operations. She highlighted the workshop’s focus on physical, mental, and emotional well-being and its impact on decision-making in their careers.
This event aligns with broader efforts within Fiji to promote gender inclusivity and address the systemic challenges faced by women in the security forces. Initiatives like the Gender Barrier Assessment Project and similar workshops underscore Fiji’s commitment to empowering women within the military. These efforts are part of an overarching strategy towards more inclusive and effective security forces, not only benefiting individual women but also enhancing national and regional security dynamics.
Fiji’s proactive stance in addressing gender inclusivity within its military forces is setting an example in the Pacific region. By focusing on empathy and understanding in leadership, the military is paving the way for a more equitable future for women service members. Continued support and development in this area hold promise for lasting and meaningful change.