Sub Lieutenant Esita Batiniqila, a 25-year-old officer with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division, exemplifies resilience and fearlessness as she pursues her ambitions in a traditionally male-dominated environment. Celebrating International Women’s Day recently at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua alongside fellow women navy officers, Batiniqila reflects on her journey and the challenges she has faced since joining the Naval Division after completing high school in 2018.
Her determination stems from her strong upbringing in an environment that emphasized women’s empowerment. “The high school I attended was big on empowering women, and since then, I’ve always tried to think outside the box,” Batiniqila shared. This mindset has been critical in overcoming barriers and navigating competition both among women and against traditional gender expectations within the military.
Serving in the Human Resource Department, Sub Lieutenant Batiniqila is responsible for career development and staff welfare, showcasing her commitment to fostering a supportive environment for her peers. She emphasizes the need to challenge outdated mindsets that perpetuate inequality in standards between genders. “My biggest challenge has been breaking the mindset in a traditionally closed culture,” she noted, underscoring her daily struggle against stereotypes.
Her story resonates with that of other young women breaking barriers in similar fields. For instance, Eleni Seniloli recently made history as the first female military officer in her family, overcoming skepticism from her peers and family. Like Batiniqila, Seniloli faced significant challenges as she transitioned from a school environment to the military, highlighting a shared narrative of resilience and determination among women in the armed forces.
Both officers serve as beacons of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that with perseverance, women can succeed in paths that have historically been less traveled by their gender. Their commitment to their duties not only advances their personal dreams but also paves the way for future generations of women aspiring to command similar roles in the military or other traditionally male-dominated fields.
Sub Lieutenant Batiniqila’s message is clear: embrace the challenges, defy the norms, and fulfill your ambitions. “I just want to tell the inner girl in me that I can achieve more than I ever dreamed,” she expressed, encouraging others to pursue their aspirations with similar vigor.
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