Asp Vasakula- First Fijian Woman To Hold Un Police Women’s Network Deputy Chair Position

Assistant Superintendent of Po­lice (ASP) Mereani Vasakula is a top-tier achiever when it comes to women excelling in a male-dominated field.

ASP Vasakula is the first Fijian wom­an to have held the United Nations Po­lice Women’s Network Deputy Chair position under United Nations Mis­sion in South Sudan (UNMSS).

And she was honoured for her pro­gressive and concrete contributions to empowering local women in South Sudan and her area of responsibility at their farewell meeting on August 10, 2022.

Ms Vasakula completed her tour of duty and was acknowledged for per­forming her duties with a high de­gree of integrity and dedication, in advancing the rights and quality of life for vulnerable women in South Sudan.

She was awarded by the UNMSS with the Letter of Commendation, Letter of Outstanding Empowerment Initiative for South Sudan, and was recognised for the role she had dared to hold.

Ms Vasakula’s tenure in South Su­dan was a year but due to the pivotal position she was holding, she stayed for another six months, sacrificing what would have been a six-month early reunion for her children.

She first joined the Fiji Police Force on January 2, 2004 and this year marks her 18 years of service.

“This is actually my second mission overseas, my first mission was in the Solomons from 2009-2010,” Ms Vasaku­la said.

“For this mission, I had completed, it was quite difficult because now I have five children.”

Ms Vasakula said an abundance of ‘will’ power was all one would need when setting their ultimate goal.

She said that achieving a goal is a cel­ebratory moment but the sacrifice is what one must celebrate.

“During my time of service in South Sudan, one of my major challenges would be a language barrier but most­ly living miles away from my five little handsome boys,” she said.

“I have done a lot to connect with them virtually since four of them are in primary school now, to comfort them, a minute of video call is all I have.”

UNMISS UNPOL Gendor Advisor/Chairlady Women’s Network Ms Millicent Alambo and Mereani Vasakula Deputy Chairlady UNPOL Women’s Network at United Nation House in Juba South Sudan on August 10, 2022.

Labasa

Prior to her second overseas mis­sion, she was in Labasa for eight years holding the office of Crime stop­pers northern coordinator where she focused on conducting awareness in schools about drugs.

“In this field, connecting with com­munities is one key approach for us to maintain diligence and trust among the officers and the communities.”

In a Facebook post, Fiji Police Force rendered their appreciation to Ms Va­sakula.

“ASP Vasakula who held the post of Formed Police Unit Coordination Of­ficer was commended for serving the mission with distinction and consist­ently demonstrating diligence, profes­sionalism and high level of compe­tence.”

Fiji Police Force

Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho congratulated ASP Vasakula for her achievements and said that Fiji Police Force was proud of her accomplishments.

Brigadier -General Qiliho said wom­en officers continue to set the standard in many aspects of law enforcement.

Fiji Police Force is fully support­ive of female officers who are inter­ested in pursuing new opportunities, whether they are in local, regional, or international policing settings.

Ms Vasakula whistled a tone of ad­vice for young females who may still be training in Nasova Police Academy to always dream big, ticking bomb of succession is when dreams are com­plemented with a positive mind and prayers.

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