In a groundbreaking achievement for gender representation in law enforcement, two Fijian women, Makareta Qalo of Rewa and Ane Sogo of Lau, made history in 1966 by becoming the first female officers to graduate from the Fiji Prisons Service. Their graduation ceremony was held on July 31 and featured a parade at the Suva Gaol, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the service.
The event showcased the successful completion of their training alongside eight male counterparts, as part of the fifth training course organized by the Fiji Prisons Service within just two years. The ceremony was attended by notable figures including A.D. Patel, the then Member of Social Services, who reviewed the parade, highlighting the importance of the occasion.
In his address, Mr. Patel underscored a notable shift in government attitudes towards prison management. He emphasized that while the fundamental role of police and prison officers is to ensure public safety, the focus within prisons should increasingly be on providing humane rehabilitation for inmates. This progressive outlook was echoed in his acknowledgment of the two women officers, whom he celebrated as trailblazers within the Fiji Prisons Service.
Mr. Patel extended his congratulations to Qalo and Sogo, wishing them success in their pioneering roles, underscoring the importance of their contributions to the future of the prison service in Fiji. This moment is not only a celebration of their achievements but also a hopeful sign of ongoing changes in the landscape of law enforcement and rehabilitation in the nation.
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