Kabakoro a Beacon for Future Female Engineers
The decision Nanise Kabakoro made to join the male dominated field of civil engineering has been nothing but a season of abundant blessings.
Her parents had encouraged her to pursue a field not related to theirs which is Accounting. She chose to be one of the women in the maritime industry.
Ms Kabakoro recently graduated with her Masters in Engineering (Civil and Structural) from the University of Adelaide in Australia.
As today marks International Day for Women in Maritime, the 31-year-old attributes her success not only to her parents but to women who are in maritime.
“Being told that my colleague and I were the only two pacific islanders there was truly a reward because we were representing aspiring women engineers who will study at the university,” she said.
“This is to all the women out there who are daring to make a difference not only in their field of work but in their homes and elsewhere.”
Ms Kabakoro and another pacific islander were the only two islanders that have studied the programme in the last two years. The university is one of the top universities in Australia.
“It was hard for me as competition in class was high. I’m an average student and to be able to complete this programme is truly a blessing.
“I’m thankful to the Almighty God for his guidance throughout my study.”
As the youngest of six siblings, five girls and one boy, Miss Kabakoro attributes her success to her upbringing and the values instilled into her as a child by her parents.
Ms Kabakoro intends to use her expertise in the development of pacific islands.
“I’m looking forward to applying my expertise and experience in supporting quality infrastructure and effective project implementation within Fiji and the pacific region.”
Ms Kabakoro obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the Fiji National University in 2014.
She had attended Veiuto Primary School and then Suva Grammar School before attending Hamilton Girls High School in New Zealand.
Her advice to young people is not to limit themselves with what they have and to strive for more because the reward is a lifetime blessing