Juggling life as a navy ordinary seaman and being a fashion show model is no easy task for 20-year-old Merewalesi Raikoso, who does her best to empower women through her line of work.

With paternal links to Naqara Village, Naitasiri, and maternal links in Rewa, Ms Raikoso says having a positive mindset is the key to moving forward and being successful in life, despite the challenges life brings.

“There were days where I had night duties for the navy after which I had to also attend the practice every Saturday morning. I’ve returned home tired, drained, that I skip meals and family time,” she said.

“It is not an easy task to be working and modeling at the same time, but with dedication, commitment and time management, I was able to balance my role as a navy officer and a model.”

Coming from a family with a long history of men working in the defence force, Ms Raikoso was inspired to continue the tradition of military service becoming the first female in her family to join the Fijian Navy.

“Majority of the navy force is made up of males, however, now women are being encouraged to take up roles that was once thought only for males,” she said.

“As a former student of Dudley High School, I was proud to be one of the naval officers who provided cadet training for the students last year and hoisting a Union Jack onboard RFNS Kikau on our return from a sea burial and that being one of the first female sailors who took part in the sea burial after so many years.”

She also took part in Fiji’s 50th Independence Day celebration at Albert Park in Suva.

Ms Raikoso has the rank of Ordinary Seaman and has been with the navy for one and a half years while her modelling path that started way back in April 2017. She has featured in Bottega Gold Fijian Fashion Festival and the recent Wear Fiji Fashion show.

Fiji Fashion Back of House Manager, Adi Sova Vakacegu, said a young hard working woman like Ms Raikoso is something the young generation should look at in times of hardship.

“Get to know your talent and when you identify it, mould it and feed it and see the beauty that lies in it.

“The 1st modelling attempt that Mere did was successful. She came, she endured, she conquered, she completed the modelling race. Women can do anything, when there’s a will there’s a way,” she said.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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