Seini Ratu is the only woman working in the cane fields of Ba, facing a daily challenge in a traditionally male-dominated profession.
She holds the distinction of being the first woman to assume the role of Farm Advisor and Field Officer in the Fiji Sugar Corporation's Extension Division, and she has never regretted her choice.
Ms. Ratu hails from the peaceful Nadakuni Village in Waimaro, Naitasiri, and has always felt a deep connection with the land. Growing up in a family of six, she has always been determined to forge her own path.
Her educational journey began at Dilkusha Girls School in Nausori and continued at Suva Grammar School, where she gained both knowledge and the drive to be a catalyst for change.
Following her graduation from Suva Grammar, Ms. Ratu pursued her passion for agriculture by enrolling at Fiji National University's Koronivia campus. In 2011, she commenced her career journey by joining the Fiji Sugar Corporation's Labasa operation as an attaché, a role she held for one and a half years.
Later, in 2014, she transitioned to the Lautoka operation, continuing her dedication to the agricultural sector.
“I am now responsible for the Rarawai Mills Mota-Naloto Sector and serve around 600 sugarcane farmers in this area,” she states.
Ms. Ratu recalls that there were many challenges when she started, as the only female Farm Advisor and Field Officer. However, she adapted and took things in her stride.
"Personally, for me, this was a breakthrough," she says. "I was able to prove that women can work in this field too, looking after our sugarcane farmers."
Ms. Ratu recalls the initial surprise among the farmers when she first started her role, but she emphasizes that this surprise has now given way to acceptance and familiarity.
She states, "At first, the farmers themselves were quite surprised when I started but it’s all normal now."
With a special focus on inspiring and empowering women, the thirty-year-old professional encourages them not to be intimidated by the hurdles that come with working in traditionally male-dominated workplaces.
She firmly believes that "Nothing is impossible when we are willing to confront challenges," and she actively encourages the younger generation of women to take a stand and face these challenges head-on.
Ms. Ratu’s message is clear: Women can overcome obstacles and succeed in any field they choose if they are determined and willing to meet these challenges with resilience and confidence.
During a recent visit to the Mota-Naloto Sector in Ba, Hon. Sakiusa Tubuna, the Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, expressed his admiration for the work being done by Ms. Ratu.
He commended her for her exceptional service, saying, "This is a very unique situation where we have a woman officer serving hundreds of sugarcane farmers, and I commend Ms. Ratu for her courage and dedication to serving in one of the country's oldest industries."
“Her trajectory reflects her commitment to her chosen field and her determination to make a significant impact in the industry.”
Hon. Tubuna's words highlight the significance of Ms. Seini Ratu's role as a trailblazing woman in an industry traditionally dominated by men and acknowledge her contributions to the sector.
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