The Eastern Division Police held its Women’s Awards Night on Friday, themed “Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers,” to honor exceptional female officers for their dedication, leadership, and contributions in a traditionally male-dominated field. Acting Roko Tui Tailevu, Makelesi Raciri, was the chief guest at the event, emphasizing the remarkable achievements of women in the police force.
Ms. Raciri voiced her admiration for the resilience exhibited by women officers, stating, “In a predominantly male-dominated field, it is unimaginable how women have excelled and set benchmarks in leadership.” She highlighted that cultural norms in Fiji often pose challenges to women in these roles but encouraged those present to persevere. “There is no real barrier to leadership; it’s often our mindset and traditional norms that hold us back,” she added.
The awards recognized individual accomplishments among the attendees, with notable winners including:
– Woman of the Year: PC 7371 Mereosi Sedre (Nausori Police Station)
– Excellent Service Award: PC 5835 Majindar Kaur (Eastern Division HQ)
– Best Gazetted Officer: ASP Aqela Dibuna (Eastern Division HQ)
– Most Influential Officer of the Year: IP Motea Rakai (Eastern Division HQ)
The event not only celebrated personal achievements but also aimed to inspire and encourage more women to step into leadership positions within the law enforcement community.
Adding to the discourse of women’s empowerment in law enforcement, similar articles have highlighted the stories of other female officers like Police Constable Sadamma from the Labasa Police Station, who reflected on her experiences in overcoming challenges in a male-dominated environment. Such narratives underline that the support of family and resilience are pivotal for women striving for success in law enforcement.
The recognition of female officers at this event, combined with encouraging testimonials from women like PC Sadamma, portrays a promising outlook on gender equality within policing, fostering a sense of hope that women can excel and break down barriers in various roles.
Leave a comment