As the first day of the Force Skills Competition concluded yesterday, coinciding with the celebration of Infantry Day, one team stood out not just for their skill but for their groundbreaking presence—the all-female team fielded by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Territorial Forces (TF) Brigade. This historic participation, sends a powerful message aligned with their theme for this year: “𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫.”

Military competitions have traditionally been male-dominated spaces, with physical strength and endurance often stereotyped as masculine traits. The TF Brigade’s decision to field an all-female team challenges these outdated notions, proving that capability, discipline, and teamwork are not defined by gender.

By stepping onto the field, these women are not just representing their brigade—they are redefining what it means to be a soldier. Their participation emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in defense forces, where operational effectiveness relies on diverse skills and perspectives rather than rigid gender roles.

Gender balance in the military is not just about numerical representation; it’s about equal opportunity to contribute, lead, and excel. The RFMF’s initiative reflects a growing recognition that women bring unique strengths to combat and support roles, from strategic thinking to crisis management.

However, true gender balance requires more than token inclusion. It demands:

𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 – Ensuring recruitment, training, and promotion pathways are free from bias.

𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 – Dismantling stereotypes that discourage women from pursuing combat or leadership roles.

𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – Celebrating achievements like this all-female team to inspire future generations.

The TF Brigade’s theme, “𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫” resonates beyond the military. It is a call to action for all sectors to assess and eliminate barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential. When institutions embrace diversity, they become stronger, more innovative, and more representative of the societies they serve.

As the Force Skills Competition continues, the performance of this all-female team will be closely watched—not just for their results, but for the precedent they set. Their presence alone is a victory for gender balance, proving that the battlefield, like all arenas, is richer when everyone has a chance to contribute.

The RFMF Territorial Forces Brigade has taken a bold step forward, demonstrating that courage and capability are not gendered traits. As we celebrate Infantry Day, let us also celebrate the progress toward a more inclusive military—one where strength is measured by skill, determination, and teamwork, not by outdated stereotypes.

The message is clear: When given the opportunity, women excel. The future of defense is balanced, and it starts with moments like this.