Fiji Airports celebrates Female Engineering Leadership on International Women in Engineering Day

Nadi, Fiji – As the world marks International Women in Engineering Day, Fiji Airports is celebrating the achievements of female engineers who are helping to shape the future of aviation infrastructure in Fiji, including the recent promotion of engineer Renee Duguivalu to the role of Senior Projects Manager, becoming the first female to hold the position.

The occasion highlights the important contribution women continue to make across the engineering profession and recognises the growing role they play in delivering critical infrastructure projects that support Fiji's aviation sector and economic development.

Fiji Airports Chief Executive Officer Mesake Nawari said Renee's promotion reflects the organisation's commitment to recognising talent, investing in its people, and building a diverse workforce capable of delivering Fiji's future aviation infrastructure. "At Fiji Airports, we believe that developing our people is fundamental to delivering our long-term vision. Renee's promotion is a testament to her professionalism, technical expertise, and leadership capabilities," Mr Nawari said.

"She has made a valuable contribution to our Projects team in a short period of time, and we are proud to see her take on this expanded leadership role. "As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, we also recognise the incredible contribution of women across our organisation who continue to break barriers and inspire the next generation of engineers. "We are committed to creating an environment where women have every opportunity to grow, lead, and help shape the future of aviation in Fiji. "Their perspectives, innovation, and expertise are helping deliver transformational projects under all the airports we manage and are shaping the future of our two international and 13 domestic airports for generations to come."

Renee joined Fiji Airports in July 2025 as Construction Manager, where she played a key role in delivering projects aligned with the implementation of the Nadi International Airport 25-Year Master Plan.
In her new role as Senior Projects Manager – Landside, she will provide strategic oversight of landside infrastructure projects that support the continued transformation of Nadi International Airport and enhance the experience of passengers, airport users, and stakeholders.
 

Fiji Airports celebrates Female Engineering Leadership on International Women in Engineering Day

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A civil engineer by profession, Renee brings extensive experience in civil and structural engineering, having previously worked with several engineering consultancy firms before moving into the public sector. Prior to joining Fiji Airports, she held an executive leadership role with the Housing Authority, leading projects within its Land and Housing Development team. While engineering has always been her passion, joining Fiji Airports marked her first experience in the aviation sector.

"This is my first opportunity to work in aviation, and it has been an exciting journey. The Projects team is incredibly dynamic and fast-paced, with a range of initiatives that contribute to the implementation of Nadi International Airport's 25-Year Master Plan," Ms Duguivalu said.

"The biggest asset I bring to Fiji Airports is the experience I have gained from my previous work environments. "I have also joined a team with several young and aspiring female engineers and professionals, and I hope to be able to provide guidance and mentorship whenever the opportunity arises. "Engineering gives you the opportunity to create solutions that have a lasting impact on people and communities. I hope my journey encourages more young women to pursue careers in engineering and believe there is a place for them in industries like aviation."

As Fiji Airports joins the global engineering community in celebrating International Women in Engineering Day, Renee's journey reflects the growing impact of women who continue to shape communities through innovation, infrastructure, and leadership. This year's theme, "Engineering Intelligence," highlights the role engineers play in solving complex challenges through innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking solutions. Renee believes engineering is about creating practical solutions that improve lives and that diversity of thought is essential to building resilient infrastructure for future generations.

Fiji Airports continues to invest in developing engineering talent and creating opportunities for women to lead major infrastructure projects that support the nation's aviation network and economic growth. 

As the organisation progresses the delivery of its long-term airport development programme, women engineers are playing a critical role in designing, delivering, and leading the infrastructure that will connect Fiji to the world for generations to come.