UPDATES PERSONNEL ON GENDER ISSUES
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Naval Division has stressed to its personnel the importance of gender awareness.
This was raised during an awareness programme at the Togalevu Naval Base on Thursday, July 11, 2019.
Fiji Navy Division Legal Officer Lieutenant Commander Silipa Kubuabola led the programme at RFNS Viti, the navy’s shore establishment west of Suva.
The programme involved educating newly-enlisted Navy personnel on gender issues.
The awareness team consisted of Legal Officer Sub-Lieutenant Alivereti Yauvoli of the Republic of Fiji Navy and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Human Resources Management Staff Officer Recruitment and Enlistment, Captain Nanise Ralagi. Sub-Lieutenant Yauvoli said the purpose of the awareness programme was to ensure that members of the Republic of Fiji Navy understood and observed Navy and RFMF doctrines regarding the issue.
“The aim is to educate our male and female sailors on the policies and the changes that are occurring internationally” he said.
Sub-Lieutenant Yauvoli said it was important to educate sailors on gender issues because it influenced peacekeeping and navy operations. He said this was a new issue to the Republic of Fiji Navy, which had been a male-dominated institution since its establishment. Lieutenant Apenisa Cavuilati expressed his appreciation for the gender awareness programme. “This is due to the changes happening in the division in regard to the enlistment of female sailors”, he said. Representatives from the National Fire Authority were also present at the awareness programme.