Servicewomen from across Fiji’s security institutions were honoured during an International Women’s Day celebration at Albert Park, where members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Fiji Police Force, Fiji Navy, and Fiji Corrections Service gathered to recognise the contributions of women serving in the country’s disciplined forces. The event celebrated the leadership, resilience, and dedication of servicewomen while reinforcing the importance of advancing gender equality across Fiji’s national security sector.

Speaking at the event, Sashi Kiran highlighted the longstanding role of women in the military, noting that women have served in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces for 38 years since the recruitment of 43 pioneering women in 1988. Today, women serve across branches of the armed forces and are deployed to international peacekeeping missions in locations including Lebanon, Iraq, South Sudan, and the Golan Heights. Kiran praised servicewomen for demonstrating courage and professionalism in operational environments historically dominated by men, while also balancing family responsibilities and leadership roles within their units.

The celebration also underscored recent progress in strengthening gender equality within Fiji’s security institutions. Initiatives such as the Fiji Country Gender Barrier Assessment conducted under the Elsie Initiative, the appointment of the first Command Gender Advisor in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces in 2025, leadership training programmes for servicewomen, and the appointment of the first female Assistant Commissioner of Police in 2026 reflect growing institutional commitment to gender inclusion. Marking the first time the three disciplined forces jointly commemorated International Women’s Day with a combined march and careers expo, the event signaled a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for women and encouraging the next generation of Fijian girls to pursue careers in national service.

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