Working in a male dominated field maybe a challenge but this did not deter Reapi Nareki from scooping the most prestigious ‘Charlie Award’.

Pernix Fiji Limited held its annual awards night at the Grand Pacific Hotel last Saturday to show recognition to the hard work done by its staff members.

Mrs Nareki was overwhelmed with tears as she was handed this award with a four night accommodation for two in any hotel of her choice.

She is the only female in the powerplant and is the company’s administration assistant at the Kinoya power station.

Speaking to Sun Business she mentioned she did not expect to win such prize but believed her hard work throughout the year finally paid off now that she was rewarded.

She said: “In March next year will be my seventh year with Pernix. This was the first job I had since I left school and everything I have known today I have learnt from this company which I am grateful for.”

She added working in a male dominated field was what encouraged her to prove herself to everyone in her line of work.

“This was what boosted me to continue to do what I do best. Working with a lot of men, they expect so much from you. However sticking to what I have learnt in school and placing those skills in what I do, the results have now shown, I am the employee of the year” she proudly said.

Challenges

She continued: “Some of the challenges I face would be my daily reports, knowing that I not only report to Pernix Fiji, but to FEA and also Chicago our mother company which needs to be updated every day.

“It is all about time management and I cannot miss a day of work knowing the load would pile up on me the next day. These are some of the things that drive me to look after myself so I’m at work all the time.”

On receiving her reward she had a few people to thank.“I would like to thank God for this achievement, I would also like to thank my mom for believing in me and my husband for supporting me all the way,” she said.

Her husband Setareki Nareki is also an employee of the company and they are both part of the awardees who won the 5 year employment service award.

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