Corporal Penina Sets To Empower Women
The graduates successfully completed 11 weeks of the Junior Non- Commissioned Officers Promotional course.
Friday 05 April 2019 | 09:20
Corporal Penina Sukamaivanuavou (second from left) with her aunt, Siteri Sosiceni (left), her mum, Kelera Masi (right) and her daughter, Deborah Tokalauvere (front) at the AFL grounds in Namaka, Nadi on April 3, 2019. ACHIEVEMENT Photo: Nicolette Chambers
Corporal Penina Sukamaivanuavou believes that it is never impossible for women to do well in tasks males normally engage in.
This was after Corporal Sukamaivanuavou was presented the Best Student in Administration award during the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) graduation of 49 soldiers at the Airports Fiji Limited grounds in Namaka, Nadi on Wednesday.
The graduates successfully completed 11 weeks of the Junior Non- Commissioned Officers Promotional course.
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Corporal Sukamaivanuavou said the 11 weeks of the course was challenging and also an area she saw as one that could empower women who were thinking of joining the RFMF.
“During the duration of the 11 weeks course, it was challenging especially being a female in a male dominated institution to prove myself in the sense that females are equivalent to males in an institution dominated by males,” she said.
“It was an honour but with the support from families and my battalion in Suva coming to the West,
yes, with their support it was possible for me to make it this far.”
She also acknowledged her partner, Corporal Eric Whibley for his continuous support.
Her mother, Kelera Masi said it was only through God that she was able to achieve her goal.
“I just want to thank our Heavenly Father, she has gone through this 11 weeks away from home, this is a step up to the work that she does,” she said.
All 49 graduates are now eligible to be promoted to Lance Corporal.
Edited by Susana Tuilau
