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In a historic moment witnessed today in Fiji’s maritime industry, 22 talented women graduated in the first ever Female Deckhand Fishing Programme coordinated through the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies with the Fiji National University (FNU) campus in Suva.
The programme is jointly supported by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Governments of New Zealand and Fiji. The first of such remarkable initiative enables women to pursue employment opportunities in Fiji’s maritime sector and significantly contribute towards Fiji’s economic growth and sustainability of oceans resources and food security.
The Chief Guests for the occasion comprised of New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Her Excellency Charlotte Darlow, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua, and the Regional Manager Eastern, from Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry Mere Namudu. The families and friends of the graduates were also thrilled to be part of such unique initiative which promotes inclusivity and diversity of women into Fiji’s maritime and fisheries sector.
In her remarks, High Commissioner Darlow commended the outstanding achievements of the graduates and wished them well in their future endeavors.
On the same note, the High Commissioner acknowledged the graduates for their hardwork and commitment to pursue employment opportunities in the maritime sector.
Similarly, the Assistant Minister Hon. Qereqeretabua congratulated all the graduates and also thanked their families and friends for their support.
Hon. Qereqeretabua acknowledged the Government of New Zealand and the Forum Fisheries Agency along with FNU for the collaborative support for making this important initiative a reality for our women and girls. The Assistant Minister reaffirmed the People’s Coalition Government commitment to continue promoting the empowerment of women, gender equality and diversity in all sectors.
Today’s event reflected on the transformative power of education and commitment to breaking barriers, and the graduates have been commended; their achievements an inspiration for countless others that with determination and hardwork, everyone regardless of their gender, or background has the power to reach their fullest potential in life.
It was mentioned that their journey through learning the fundamentals to mastering the intricacies of deck handling is a testament of their resilience and courage.
The Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies (PCMS), previously known as the School of Maritime Studies, FNU was established in 1970 by the Government of Fiji to increase the number of qualified Mariners and Seafarers in Fiji and the Pacific region. PCMS has been providing Maritime Training to the Seafarers of Fiji as well as nationals from the South Pacific region, via offering courses that enable graduates to build their career into maritime sector.
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