She may be a novice in the political arena but her family thinks she has the character to succeed.

Successful FijiFirst candidate Rosy Akbar received the backing yesterday from those who mattered the most, her family.

Her elated sister, Dr Roveena Khan congratulated Ms Akbar for securing a seat in Parliament.

Ms Akbar resigned from civil service over a month ago and chose FijiFirst party after discussions with her family. She has been an educator and a prominent face of community service in Ba for the past 25 years.

“My sister has the potential and the capabilities to be a good leader and I believe that she was being under-utilised in the education sector,’’ Dr Khan said.

She said her sister deserved the win because of her capabilities and her enthusiasm in giving back to the people of Fiji.

“My sister was made for this (politics) and our daughters will be inspired after seeing her success.’’

Dr Khan said more women should be involved in decision-making at national level.

“We wish her all the best and we know that she will not only do us proud but also the women in the society,’’ Dr Khan said.

Ms Akbar said her more than 700 votes was a good indication of the level of support she had in the community.

“Initially it was a challenge for the people to sink in but the response coming later towards the party was overwhelming,’’ Ms Akbar said.

Her campaigns were mostly in Ba, however her strategy was to promote the FijiFirst party and what they had achieved over the past eight years.

“That is going to be quite  challenging and because I have taken this step; I’m ready for the challenges ahead of me,’’ she said with confidence.

“I have been a working mother for the past 25 years and my family members are used to that.

“My sister has been my pillar of strength in this journey,’’ Ms Akbar said.

Ms Akbar’s husband, managing director of ECO Oil, Ravindra Singh was happy for his wife and promised to continue his support for her.

Their eldest daughter Fazilat Farzana is also an educator in Ba while the youngest daughter is still in school.

What inspired Ms Akbar

Ms Akbar never dreamed of being a politician but was inspired by the success of the Bainimarama Government and the inclusion of women in the various Government ministries.

“The political environment in Fiji is opening up to women and we must step out of our comfort zone,’’ she said.

“Women have so much potential and so much power that they have yet to realise. We are educated and can equally contribute towards the development of Fiji.

“I applied as a candidate for the FijiFirst party because I believed in the party and it was time for me to give back to the people of Fiji at national level.

“My goal is to do more in the education sector because I understand the challenges and the plight teachers face and create an environment where all the stakeholders are happy.

She says her experience as an educator would help her make informed decisions at national level.

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