International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women, past and present. It is a day to honor those who have paved the way and to empower those shaping the future. Beyond recognition, it serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to ensure equality and opportunity for all women, whether in the spotlight or behind the scenes.
For me, the most inspiring woman in my life is my mother. She has been a pillar of strength who has shaped me into the person I am today. Mothers play an irreplaceable role in nurturing and guiding us, often in ways we only truly appreciate as we grow.
I have witnessed this firsthand in my own family, where my mother’s resilience, wisdom, faith and unwavering support have been the foundation of our success. For the four years I have been away from home studying in Fiji, she has remained as my greatest source of strength. Every morning, without fail, she would send me a Bible verse to start off my day, her way of reminding me that my faith in God is my greatest weapon in every battle I face.
Her sacrifices and determination have been my greatest source of motivation. She has shaped me into the woman I am today, not just by nurturing my dreams but by reinforcing the strength, independence, and resilience of women in our family. She has always led by example, showing me that a woman’s power is in her actions, her perseverance, and her ability to uplift those around her. It is through her encouragement that I have found the courage to step into a field where women are still underrepresented.
In our family, my mother has reinforced the idea that women are capable, resilient, and worthy of every opportunity. She has shown me that true empowerment isn’t about seeking validation but about believing in oneself and lifting others up. She is the backbone of our family, and through her quiet strength, she has inspired me to embrace my own power as a woman.
At The University of the South Pacific (USP), I decided to pursue an engineering degree to continue a legacy. My father is a skilled builder, though he never had the opportunity to formally study engineering.
Instead, he became a farmer to support our family, always referring to his construction skills as his ‘God-given talents.’ He never expected me to follow this path, as he thought I would pursue a career in drawing or painting.
However, coming from a family of all girls, I saw an opportunity to carry forward his dream in a new way. For me, studying civil engineering has been both a personal ambition and a tribute to my father’s talents and sacrifices. While he was initially surprised by my decision, he fully supports me.
My mother has also shown her unwavering support of my education. My mother always emphasised that being a woman was not a limitation, but a strength. She never pressured me to conform to expectations but instead encouraged me to discover my own path.
She believes that women should have the freedom to explore even from a young age, to dream, and to carve their own futures.
Engineering is often perceived as a male-dominated field, but times are changing. Women are proving time and time again that they have the skills, creativity, and resilience to excel in this profession. I am proud to be part of this transformation, challenging stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of women engineers.
This International Women’s Day, I celebrate my mother’s unwavering strength and support in shaping my journey. Her influence continues to inspire me to break barriers, push boundaries, and make a lasting impact in the world of engineering.
Her life’s work is a testament to the fact that empowered women empower others. Because of her, I carry the belief that I am capable of achieving my dreams, and one day, I hope to pass on that same strength to the next generation.
