A woman in a man's world
RUSILA Caginiveisaka Tuinaceva is an inspiration in the male-dominated field of automotive engineering. From a challenging background, she has defied categorisation to become an automotive engineering lecturer, dismantling barriers and inspiring young women to succeed in a field in which men make the rules.
Her story, beginning in her home in Navua, is a testament of the transformative nature of education.
Originally from Naivuruvuru, Verata in Tailevu with maternal links to Mualevu, Vanuabalavu, Lau, Ms Tuinaceva is married with five wonderful kids.
The 47-year-old’s journey began 25 years ago when she entered the Fiji Institute of Technology (now known as the Derrick Campus) in 1996 to study for a trade certificate in automotive engineering.
At that time, it was rare for females to enroll in such courses. “I was curious about how something made of metal could move, so I decided to learn in depth about it,” she says.
Ms Tuinaceva, who faced the harsh realities of financial hardships growing up, knew that failure was not an option.
“My mother was a market vendor and my father a market master,” she says.
“We were taught to be independent. So, at the age of five, I believed I knew what I had to do.”
She immersed herself in her studies, displaying an exceptional flair for the subject matter of automotive engineering.
With the knowledge she had after graduating, she gained hands-on experience while attached to the Public Works Department and Asco Motors.
A year and a half later, she returned to school and studied for two years, earning her Diploma in Automotive Engineering.
Being a female in the male-dominated field, she paid no mind to the degrading remarks tossed at her by her male counterparts.
“I had a situation where one of the male students touched me inappropriately and I reacted by hitting him back,” she says.
“When questioned by my supervisor, I explained the situation, but he just said, ‘what did you expect, you’re working with men’.”
Teaching others was also a calling that resonated deep within her. It only crystallised after her mentor’s demeaning words stirred a desire in her heart to help create a safe learning environment for female engineers in the future.
Ms Tuinaceva (or Ms Cagi as she was known in school) became a part time lecturer at FIT after graduating with her diploma before she left to teach in Labasa for six years.
She traded her position as a temporary lecturer for a permanent position as a tutoring assistant.
“I needed a permanent post. At that time, I had my kids with me, so I chose to apply for a tutoring assistant post because it was stable.”
Through her prayers and ability to demonstrate difficult concepts through simple topics for her students, she was accepted as a permanent lecturer in Suva in 2013.
“Once, a student came to me and asked where Master Cagi would be conducting his classes. I tried to contain my laughter as I directed him on what to do as Master Cagi was absent.”
Lo and behold on the following day, the students were taken by surprise as the woman who appeared in a dress and a string of pearls was the Master Cagi that they spoke of.
Ms Tuinaceva’s help and teachings were not only limited to the classroom.
“I had a student who was living with his extended family and would often face difficulties at home because of school.
“One day classes finished late and upon his return home, he found his belongings in front of the house. His family had discarded him.
“A gunusede was held at my residence to help with his expenses as he was living with a classmate at that time.”
Despite Ms Tuinaceva’s tough nature, her motherly love was something her students gravitated towards.
In 2023, she graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Education that she had been working on over five years.
“I decided to undertake the course because I believe it would help me improve my understanding of the subject and deliver it to the students.
“I took two units per year as I was also teaching and looking after my kids alone since my husband was working overseas.”
Juggling life as a lecturer, a mother and a student, Ms Tuinaceva highlights the importance of praying and having a good support system.
“It was a challenge but what got me through was praying. Ever since I was young my grandmother taught me how to pray, so I’ve been doing it my whole life.
“I’m also thankful for the family and friends I had who continued to support me and give me sound advice.”
Having attended Adi Cakobau School, she is a true advocate of the school’s motto “Leave the world better than you found it!”
Her story, from a struggling background to a renowned lecturer, highlights the importance of inclusivity and tapping hidden potential.