Aquaheat sets the bar for women in trade: Koya
Lusiana Malani wants to be more than just an electrical engineer. She is one of many women who work in the male-dominant Aquaheat South Pacific facility, at Wailada, Lami.
“I would like to venture into other things, to know things on mechanical and welding matters,” she said.
The trade is not for the faint of heart.
Women should expect crticism from sexist commentators, the 27year old said.
Ms Malani was one of two women who were recently acknowledged by the Minister for Commerce, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Koya, during a site visit to the Lami facility.
Dream job
Aquaheat South Pacific Limited is an air conditioning/mechanical contractors company.
Selina Grace, a refrigeration apprentice, said she landed the job of her dreams after joining Aquaheat a month ago.
The 21-year tried different fields of work after facing some challenges, including constraints that prevented her from completing her university studies.
The Tailevu native will upgrade her certificate qualifications after she completes training at Aquaheat South Pacific.
Mr Koya said the company had set the bar for the construction sector.
“Every little aspect of the business is part of the network of theirs that exist in Fiji and their head office in New Zealand,” he said.
Mr Koya said there was interest from females who wanted to work not necessarily in the office.
“This is a great environment to learn from,” Mr Koya said.
Horizon Energy Group chief operating office, Anusheel Chandra, having women in such industries should not be a surprise.
“Women are equally capable in doing things,” he said.
“They have done so for many years, but we haven’t recognised it.
Mr Chandra said there were a total of 24 women that worked for the company, 12 of whom were in a trade.
Horizon Energy Group is the parent company of Aquaheat South Pacific.