‘Know your worth’ — Corrections officer urges women

Know your worth and never be afraid to make decisions that are best for you. Nothing is impossible.

These were the words of Fiji Corrections Service officer Serai Vakawale as she marched with more than 200 women in uniform during Fiji’s first International Women’s Day parade for the disciplined forces in Suva on Friday.

For Ms Vakawale, 30, the parade was more than a celebration. It was recognition of women breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated professions.

Originally from Nawi in Cakaudrove, with maternal links to Lomanikoro in Rewa, Ms Vakawale joined the Fiji Corrections Service in 2017 after completing her studies at the University of the South Pacific.

What began as a career she had not planned eventually became her calling.

“I actually wanted to work for the Ministry of Human Rights,” she said. “But I believe God had other plans for me.”

During her nine years with the service, Ms Vakawale has held several roles, including psychologist in the Fiji Corrections Service Rehabilitation Unit, counsellor in the Western Division and chief officer at the Lautoka Corrections Centre.

Earlier this year she returned to Suva as Staff Officer for Rehabilitation at the Fiji Corrections Service national headquarters.

Ms Vakawale said working in a male-dominated field could be challenging at times, but she encouraged women to remain confident and believe in themselves.

“It is challenging at times, but as women we must believe that anything is possible,” she said.

Her message to women across Fiji is to protect themselves, know their value and stand up for what is right.

For Ms Vakawale, marching in uniform was not just a personal milestone, but a symbol of courage, hope and the growing recognition of women serving in Fiji’s disciplined forces.