Sovalawa encourages more women for land surveying

Fiji National University (FNU) graduate Grace Sovalawa stressed that there should be more women in the field of land surveying at the institution's Open Day in Nasinu on Friday.

"I mostly learn to draw on AutoCAD (2D and 3D computer-aided design software application) and other surveying means of different types of land," Ms Sovalawa said.

"We also extended into the architect field and other requirements required in engineering like construction of buildings," she said.

The 21-year-old Suvalailai, Rewa lass received her diploma in Land Survey after three years of study.

"This field is open to everyone and for a woman to join a men's field is quite a challenge because you'll be pushed around. You'll excel in this male-dominated field if you are determined," she said.

"There is less land surveyors in Fiji, and we require a lot of girls to come into this field."

Ms Sovalawa said the career of a land surveyor was suitable for women that enjoy outdoor activities like camping and sightseeing.

"A few students struggle with calculation in this programme as it is maths and physics all the time, but there is help provided by student peers," she said.

"The requirement for this programme is a pass in both English and Maths and a passing mark of 200 out of 400."

Ms Sovalawa added that extracurricular activities provided by the institutions include the FUSA (Fiji University Sports Association) games and debates.

"The benefit of this course is that you can move and cross credit to USP (University of the South Pacific) and take GIS (Geographic Information System)," she said.

"These students can also apply for scholarships overseas."

Ms Sovalawa is employed at KGenesis Engineering and Consultant Pte Ltd as a chainman/ survey technician.

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