Women defy all odds
AS the world celebrated International Women’s Day and women’s contribution to society last week, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) took the time to acknowledge women who had defied all odds by working in an industry dominated by men.
Two women who received praise from MSAF were Atelini Baravilala and Kasanita Ba.
According to MSAF, Ms Baravilala and Ms Ba are enforcement and compliance officers II and have been with the organisation since 2012.
However, their experience in the sector dates back to 2003 and 2005 respectively when they were employed as marine checkers at the then Fiji Islands Maritime Safety Administration.
“Both ladies are originally from Kadavu and are part of the Enforcement and Compliance team that ensures that all ships undergo a thorough check, post and prior departure and this includes the vetting of crew list, their COCs and the proper documentation of cargo and passengers list,” MSAF stated.
“The ladies have worked tirelessly in this field which often sees them leaving the comforts of their homes as early as 3am to carry out all the necessary predeparture checks before a ship sets sail.
Two other women who received special mention were Marie Hanfakaga and Akisi Vuatalevu who have been part of MSAF’s professional development from day one.
Together, the four women are the only females working directly on the technical team at MSAF.
MSAF said the women were blessed to have the support of their male colleagues especially during trying times like the COVID-19 period.
Ms Baraivalala said their work was not for the fainthearted as their duties did not only stop with passenger ships at the Narain and Natovi jetties but also included fishing boats and other big ships that travelled domestically.
“Sometimes, we have to jump from one ship to another to get to the ship that needs clearance, and over time we have mastered the art of boarding fishing boats which are berthed alongside each other,” Ms Baraivalala said.
Other women that MSAF acknowledged were the housekeeping and administrative assistant Kasanita Lau and shipping registration officer Shalini Sharma, who have been with the company since its establishment in 2011.
MSAF said Ms Lau had been working in a male-dominated field since 1989.
The mother-of-four stated that working for the maritime industry was not always a bed of roses, especially when masculinity was at play.
“(Ms) Lau started her career as a receptionist at the Government Shipyard on February 14, 1989, before moving to the Government Shipping Services then onto the Marine Department,” MSAF stated.
“(Ms) Lau was also part of the team that witnessed the name change of the Marine Department to the Fiji Islands Maritime Safety Administration and is now currently one of the many familiar faces that members of the public interact with when visiting our head office in Suva.”
For Ms Sharma, her message on IWD was to grab opportunities with both hands and never ceasing to believe that women were made for greatness.
Ms Sharma is also a member of the Fiji Women in Maritime Association and believes that “hard work pays off through sheer determination and having a positive attitude during challenging times”.