Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has paid tribute to the pioneering women of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ Women’s Royal Army Corps Service (WRACS) 1/88, acknowledging their historic role in reshaping Fiji’s military and advancing gender inclusion in national service.
Speaking at the commemoration of the 38th anniversary of WRACS 1/88 held at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces chapel in Nabua, Prime Minister Rabuka reflected on 5 February 1988, when forty-two women marched into recruit training for the first time—an event he described as both historic for the RFMF and transformative for Fiji.
“That moment signified the recognition that patriotism, discipline, and sacrifice are not defined by gender, but by the strength of one’s character and devotion to service,” the Prime Minister said.
From the original cohort, twenty women advanced through Officer Cadet Training, with seven commissioned as officers, setting a standard for generations of women who would later serve in uniform. Members of WRACS 1/88 went on to serve across a wide range of roles, including administration, medicine, engineering, communications, logistics and infantry, holding senior positions such as Company Sergeant Major, Regimental Sergeant Major, Operations Officers and Adjutants.
The Prime Minister who was the RFMF Commander that opened the Force to women soldiers highlighted the group’s significant contribution to Fiji’s international standing through peacekeeping missions in East Timor, Lebanon, Sinai, Iraq and the Golan Heights, noting that they carried Fiji’s flag with distinction while contributing to global peace and security.
“Beyond their operational roles, WRACS 1/88 also served at the strategic level, shaping doctrine, operations and institutional culture within the RFMF,” he said. “Their leadership ensured that women’s perspectives were embedded in decision-making at the highest levels.”
He noted that their pioneering journey paved the way for historic milestones within the RFMF, including the commissioning of the first female Colonel, the appointment of the first female Chief of Staff, and the service of the first female Military Police Advisor to the United Nations.
“These achievements are not only personal triumphs, but institutional landmarks that demonstrate women’s leadership is integral to the strength and professionalism of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister also aligned the commemoration with the Coalition Government’s National Development Plan, which places inclusiveness at the centre of Fiji’s progress, and with the ongoing work of the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection to advance gender equality and empowerment.
Reflecting personally as the former Commander of the RFMF, Prime Minister Rabuka recalled the courage required to open military ranks to women in 1988 and expressed pride in how WRACS 1/88 exceeded expectations.
“You did not simply join the ranks—you excelled. You became leaders, advisors and role models, proving that inclusion strengthens institutions and that courage at the beginning of a journey can transform generations to come.”
Under the anniversary theme “Down Memory Lane”, the Prime Minister said the occasion was not only a time to reflect on service and sacrifice, but to honour a lasting legacy of empowerment and national pride.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Fiji, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka extended heartfelt congratulations to WRACS 1/88, acknowledging those who have passed on, those who continue to serve beyond retirement, and all who contributed to the collective legacy of resilience, dignity and service.
“Your legacy is written not only in the annals of the RFMF, but in the lives of the women who now serve proudly in uniform,” he said.
