Thirty servicewomen from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) successfully completed a three-day Gender Responsiveness Training Workshop yesterday, 12 September 2025, aimed at strengthening leadership capacity and fostering inclusivity within their respective Units.

The training, held from 10 to 12 September 2025, was facilitated by the Pacific Centre for Peacebuilding (PCP) and focused on critical topics such as safeguarding or keeping people safe, restorative justice, conflict analysis, mediation and negotiation, anger management, and stress and trauma.

Speaking at the closing of the workshop, Commander of the Naval Division, Commodore (CDRE) Timoci Natuva, commended the PCP and all its supporters for enabling the successful delivery of the workshop. He also acknowledged the support of the British High Commission in Fiji, represented by Counsellor Josh Kemp, for their contribution to gender inclusivity and maritime security.

“First and foremost, we must thank God for his provisions and also acknowledge the members of the Pacific Center for Peacebuilding for their support. I think not only here, but also for the various work that they have done throughout Fiji in trying to promote a culture of peace, a culture of non-violence, and the work they have been doing,” CDRE Natuva said.

Reflecting on challenges faced by women in the Army, CDRE Natuva noted, “It’s a very difficult organization for women. For those who joined in the 80s or joined in the 90s, I believe nothing much has changed. The way we perceive women, the way we respect them, or the way we deal with them.”

“One of my first jobs when I took up this role was to apologize to our women for the wrongs committed against them. That marked the beginning of a new journey. I developed four intents, three of which focused directly on people. Too often, we concentrate on technology and money and forget the people who make the organization function.”

CDRE Natuva emphasised the importance of humility and empathy as leadership values, saying, “As leaders, we must understand others and put ourselves in the shoes of our junior sailors. The Army’s structure often flows from the top down, and we do not always consider whether someone is male or female or the challenges they may face. We need to approach others with humility and view situations with empathy.”

The workshop participants engaged in interactive learning through case studies, scenario-based exercises, role plays, and group discussions.

Two participants expressed both pride and renewed purpose and shared their key takeaways from the workshop.

Petty Officer Palu Sokoiwasa, from the Naval Division, shared her key takeaways:

“This workshop reminded me of the important role I play in the military and how it impacts both women and men. It also reinforced the importance of looking after ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally, as this affects our decision-making in our career.”

Corporal Kula Kotoisuva, from the Force Training Group, described the training as transformative: “My two key takeaways are learning to manage anger and understanding the importance of addressing stress and trauma before judging others. This workshop was a powerful experience for me as a service personnel.”

CDRE Natuva concluded by urging participants to return to their units better informed, more resilient, and ready to embrace challenges with renewed purpose.