Growing up in a disciplined environment, instilled with respect and perseverance contributed to Asena Sitela’s suc­cess in achieving a career in the male dominated working environ­ment.

The Vusasivo Villager of Natewa Bay in Cakaudrove is the chief mate at South Seas Towage Lim­ited (SSTL), a position she has held for fours years having started with the company in 2015.

Ms Sitela’s love for the sea and the profession began during her child­hood years when she frequently travelled across the Fiji Sea due to her father’s outer island posting as a teacher.

“We frequently travelled across the sea when I was a child due to my father’s work, this made me fall in love with the ocean,” Ms Sitela said.

“It made me realise that I was go­ing to take up a career that would incorporate my love for the ocean,” she said.

The thirty-four-years-old single mother of two boys ages eight and five believes that her success today is due to her obedience and respect towards her parents.

“I know that my success is a result of honouring and respecting my mum and dad.

“Through sheer dedication and determination, I was able to perse­vere and achieve my dreams.”

She believes that it is important for parents to instill good qualities into their children to help them flourish into the field they aspire in.

“At a very young age, I have begun teaching my children to be honest, respect elders, be generous, love others and to be responsible.

“I personally believe that these qualities will help youths flourish wherever they are employed.”

Ms Sitela, also an advocate for Fiji Women in Maritime Association (FJWIMA) is challenging women to take up a career in the male dominated working environment.

“Gender should never be the bar­rier in achieving your goal.

“I call on women and girls to work hard in achieving their goals, even if it means working in a male dom­inated work setting.

“No one and nothing is to stop you from achieving the career of your dreams.”