For International Women’s Day, we asked women across the maritime sector three questions about their careers, progress in the industry, and what still needs to change. This is what Anisilini said.
What do you enjoy most about working in the maritime domain as a woman?
As a woman working as a Customs Officer in the Maritime Unit, the most enjoyable part isn’t just the operational aspect — it’s the strong sense of purpose, challenge and impact that comes with it.
Whether I’m out at the port or boarding a vessel, I’m reminded that my role plays a direct part in safeguarding our borders and facilitating legitimate trade for Fiji. That responsibility is something I take pride in.
I also appreciate how dynamic maritime work is. From boarding vessels and conducting vessel search to engaging with international crews and passengers – every day presents something different. This keeps the job interesting and challenges me in a positive way.
On a more personal level, being a woman in this field has been empowering and incredibly rewarding as I am helping reshape perceptions in what has been traditionally male dominated. By wearing the uniform in the maritime space, I hope to inspire other young women to see that they can thrive in this space too.
What progress have you seen for women in the sector?
In recent years, I believe there has been a greater visibility and acceptance of women serving in frontline maritime roles. It’s becoming more common to see female officers leading vessel boardings, coordinating inspections, and participating in joint enforcement operations with partner agencies. That visibility is important because it shows that in this line of work, what truly matters is your capability, your work ethic and your professionalism – not your gender.
Perhaps what is most important is that the culture within the maritime sector is gradually becoming more inclusive. In what was once a predominantly male-dominated environment, there is now a growing recognition of the value that diverse teams bring. As a woman working in the Maritime domain, I genuinely feel that our contributions are increasingly acknowledged and respected. This progress not only strengthens the sector today but also creates meaningful pathways for future generations of women in Fiji who aspire to build careers in this field.
What still needs to be done to better support women in the maritime sector?
Even though women are making progress in the maritime sector, I do believe that there’s still more to be done. From my experience, having visible role models and mentors is incredibly helpful, especially when you’re just starting out. It also really helps to have a workplace that values diversity, supports women, and challenges outdated biases.
Offering practical support like flexible work options and family-friendly policies can also make a big difference in helping women thrive in operational maritime roles while balancing other responsibilities.
At the end of the day, I believe it’s not just about getting more women into the maritime sector — it’s about creating an environment where we can really thrive, grow, lead, and contribute fully.