Fiji National University (FNU) alumnus, Salaseini Salakawa, is making her mark in the male-dominated field of engineering.

Graduating with a Trade Certificate in Plant Maintenance from the Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT), now College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST), in 2007, Salakawa is the Water Treatment Supervisor with the Tropik Wood Industries Cogeneration plant in Lautoka.

Reminiscing her student days at FIT in 2004, she remembers being the only girl in her cohort.

“Being the only female in a class of boys was not only challenging but also fun.  My lecturers were open-minded and provided me with opportunities to shine in front of my male colleagues.  They were very helpful and always went out of their way to assist students.”

Two years after her graduation, Salakawa joined Tropik Wood Industries as a Trainee Boiler Operator in her first full-time occupation.  She has since worked herself up the ranks to the position of a Supervisor – the position she holds at present.

Like her classroom at FIT, Salakawa has once again found herself to be the only female staff in her Section at Tropik Wood Industries.

In her role as a Water Treatment Supervisor, Salakawa is in charge of a four-million-dollar state of the art Water Treatment Plant constructed in 2016.  It is not only a water treatment plant but also the first independent electricity producer for Fiji.

“I’m pleased to work for a company that empowers women, is an equal opportunity employer and the only independent electricity producer that supplies 7% of Viti Levu’s energy demand.”

Salakawa has also completed additional qualifications to support her work including a Training of Trainers (TOTS) and all three levels – Basic, Intermediate and Advanced – Boiler Operation courses offered by the then National Training Productivity Centre (NTPC) of FNU.

She’s been with Tropik Wood Industries for over a decade now, and she is comfortable in her role and achievements in a male-dominated working environment.

“I treat the boiler and drinking water in addition to carrying out maintenance on the Treatment Plant. I carry out water analysis as well as do preventive maintenance on the Plant.”

“I enjoy my work because it’s challenging.  It requires me to do a lot of research and interact with a diverse group of people.”

Originally from Tonia, Tailevu, Salakawa was raised on a dairy farm where she enjoyed fixing things.

“My father is a devoted Christian who followed strict principles in life. If it weren’t for him and my mother, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I was taught to work hard from a very early age when I was only three years old. Our day would begin with devotion at 4 am, followed by work in the field with my dad.”

Life was not always easy, but Salakawa and her four siblings persevered.

“In those early days, we had to make do with whatever we had. Now, as an adult, those memories push me to strive to be the best in whatever I do.”

Salakawa encourages graduates beginning their career to step out of their comfort zone and conquer their fears where their profession is concerned.

“Pushing your comfort zone allows you to take advantage of opportunities that never would have arisen otherwise.  One must also learn to conquer fear – shattering inhibitions about your career begins with the right attitude. It’s important to embody self-assurance and professionalism in all that you do.”

Salakawa is married with a seven-year-old daughter.  She and her siblings are all graduates of FNU.

“As a female in the engineering field, I want to show other women that they can do it too.”

Salaseini Salakawa