Today, we take our hats off to the women in the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways who are shattering glass ceilings and going above and beyond the call to serve the farmers of Fiji.

Shirley Gonemaituba and Silika Mataitoga both hail from Gau Island in the Lomaiviti Province and they work as Food Analysts at the Koronivia Research Station.

“Here at the laboratory we conduct Quality Assurance through recognized international standard operating procedures and participate in proficiency programs for improving the quality of services provided by the laboratory. Analysis include physical (organoleptic) and chemical (nutritional),” explained Ms Mataitoga.

“We also analyse food types such as fish and fish products, fats and oils, fruits and fruit products, meat and meat products as well as root crops, kava and water.”

The two women agreed that their services are expanding due to the increase in demand for food testing for local and imported food items.

“It is also due to the rise on illegal practice of food fraud and adulteration as well as the quality of food products for authentication. Everything that we do here at the laboratory is to ensure that food or beverages is safe, healthy and fit for human consumption.”

Their message to young women in Fiji is to keep striving and believing in themselves.

“Women are able to fit into occupation if they set their mind to it. We both serve under Fiji’s only Food Government Analyst. This profession has really broadened our insights into chemistry analytical services in food, water microbiological, and pesticide and kava analysis.

“In accordance to the Government Analyst Services, we are here to ensure food safety and security is protected at all costs.”

The two women are certainly breaking barriers in their field and hope to continue to excel in their field of work for the betterment of the agriculture sector in Fiji.

Happy International Women’s Day to all the hardworking women in the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways!

ENDS

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