Mereia Taufa Vakatale continues to be an inspiration and a legacy that will live forever.
This was highlighted by the Leader of Government Business and Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Lynda Tabuya while paying her tribute to Vakatale who was farewelled yesterday.
Tabuya says Vakatale was the first of many things, as a trailblazer and shattered glass ceilings for women like her.
She says some of her achievements include as the Member of the Pioneer students of Adi Cakobau School, the first iTaukei woman to sit and pass 2 exams in 1 year (1954) Senior Cambridge and the New Zealand School Certificate, the first iTaukei to lead a Secondary school, first local Fiji woman to become Principal at Adi Cakobau School, first woman diplomat, first woman Deputy Prime Minister and first woman Acting Prime Minister.
The Minister also says because of Vakatale’s legacy all Fijian women and girls have a chance as she has always had a can-do attitude.
Tabuya says in all her time with her, Vakatale has challenged her to take up leadership positions and to go for it when there’s a chance.
She says there’s never a dull moment with her and she will never be forgotten.
