Sub Lieutenant Esita Batiniqila, a 25-year-old officer in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division, embodies resilience and courage as she forges her path in a traditionally male-dominated sector. Recently celebrating International Women’s Day at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua with fellow women navy officers, Batiniqila reflected on her journey and the obstacles she has faced since joining the Naval Division after completing high school in 2018.
Her drive is rooted in a strong upbringing that emphasized the importance of 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 innovative mindset has been crucial for her in overcoming barriers and navigating competition not only among women but also against conventional gender expectations within the military.
In her role within the Human Resource Department, Batiniqila is dedicated to career development and staff welfare, underscoring her commitment to creating a supportive environment for her colleagues. She highlights the need to challenge outdated mindsets that foster inequality. “My biggest challenge has been breaking the mindset in a traditionally closed culture,” she noted, emphasizing her ongoing battle against stereotypes.
Her journey mirrors that of other young women defying norms in similar fields. For example, Eleni Seniloli recently became the first female military officer in her family, overcoming doubts from those around her. Both Batiniqila and Seniloli exemplify resilience and determination, reflecting a shared narrative of women making significant strides in the armed forces.
These officers serve as inspirations, proving that determination and perseverance allow women to succeed in historically male-dominated careers. Their commitment paves the way for future generations of women aspiring to occupy similar positions in the military or other challenging fields.
Sub Lieutenant Batiniqila’s message resonates deeply: embrace challenges, defy traditional norms, and pursue your ambitions. “I just want to tell the inner girl in me that I can achieve more than I ever dreamed,” she encouraged, inspiring others to chase their aspirations with the same fervor.
This uplifting narrative highlights the growing presence of women in military roles and the positive changes being made towards gender equality in the armed forces, instilling hope for a brighter, more inclusive future.
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