Young women breaking barriers in technical trades

Two young women graduating from Fiji National University this week are proving that engineering and technical trades are no longer reserved for men.

From automotive electrical work to electronics, Akeneta Nabalarua and Ro Ateca Vuidreketi overcame challenges, self-doubt and gender stereotypes to graduate in fields traditionally dominated by males.

For Ms Nabalarua, from Dravualu, Naceva in Kadavu with maternal links to Qoma in Tailevu, the moment was especially emotional after being named Best Apprentice in automotive electrical.

“I feel proud, since this is a male-dominant field it’s very inspiring and very challenging,” she said after graduating on Wednesday.

Her journey was far from easy.

Working alongside male counterparts in the automotive electrical trade often meant facing resistance and limited support.

“Working with boys is very hard to handle, they don’t want to share the knowledge since we are females,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Ms Nabalarua pushed forward with support from her parents, supervisors and workmates.

“I overcame it with the help of my workmates and the bosses back at work,” she said.

There were times she wanted to quit, but thoughts of her parents’ sacrifices kept her motivated.

“Sometimes I feel like giving up, but what motivates me is seeing my parents back at home sacrificing everything for me to graduate today,” Ms Nabalarua said.

She dedicated her achievement to her parents and employers.

“I dedicate this graduation to my parents and especially to my employers,” she said.

Now an award-winning apprentice, she hopes her story inspires young people who may struggle in traditional classrooms.

“Just a message to all the youths in Fiji if you are not good at school, you can go to any university and take up an engineering trade,” she said.

“There is nothing impossible with God.”

Also celebrating a major milestone was Ro Ateca Vuidreketi, originally from Burebasaga in Rewa with maternal links to Nadrau village in the highlands of Navosa.

Ms Vuidreketi graduated with a Certificate IV in Electronics, becoming the first person in her family to graduate from FNU.

“Over the moon and I feel blessed and proud of what I’ve achieved today,” she said.

Her journey included struggles with time management and peer pressure while adjusting to academic life.

“Time management I tried my best to use my time wisely, and for peer pressure, I tried to follow the right peers,” she said.

Whenever she felt overwhelmed, it was her mother who kept her going.

“My mom is my biggest motivation. Whenever I feel down, I just give her a call, and from there, everything is okay,” Ms Vuidreketi said.

She described her mother as her pillar of strength throughout the programme and dedicated her graduation to her.

“Yes, I’m the first one in my family to graduate from FNU,” she said.

Now a graduate, she hopes other young people will stay focused on their goals.

“Do your best in everything you want to do, and make sure to achieve your goals,” she said.

Their stories reflect a growing shift in Fiji, where more women are stepping into technical and engineering trades once dominated by men — breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation to follow.