This International Women’s Day, we share an insightful conversation with our Training Coordinator, Stephanie Waqanivavalagi. In this interview, she reflects on what International Women’s Day means to her, shares pivotal career moments, discusses the women who have inspired her journey, and offers powerful advice for young women starting their careers.
Her perspective highlights both the progress made and challenges that remain for women in customs and border enforcement across the Pacific region. With refreshing honesty, she discusses leadership, stereotypes, self-care, and the importance of supporting other women in the workplace. Her emphasis on refusing to apologise for competence and ambition serves as an inspiration for women navigating their professional paths.
Read on to discover her thoughts on everything from work-life balance to the changing attitudes toward women in customs, and the legacy she hopes to build.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally?
A day to acknowledge the gap between well-intentioned rhetoric and the lived reality of systemic inequality. Its a stark reminder that there is still much work to be done in the space of gender equality in the region and we can not allow ourselves to get comfortable but, to press on in pushing for equal pay and equal opportunity in employment, education and access to finance.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career or life journey that shaped who you are today?
The moment I realized that ‘playing nice’ was a strategic disadvantage and my career advancement was in my own hands and not in that of others. It wasn’t about being aggressive, but refusing to apologise for competence and drive. I love to read and when I’m going into unfamiliar territory I read up and research on the topic of interest, instead of allowing myself to resort to just one source of information, I allow myself to ask the curious questions that give me an edge or advantage.
Who are the women who have inspired you most, and why?
Maya Angelou, was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She coined the saying “If you don’t like something, change it. …”. She dared to dream and went on to chase those dreams and create a legacy too impactful to ignore. I also find great inspiration in our Pacific women leaders I like to refer to as ‘trailblazers’ who have set the stage for women to take on leadership roles in the region and be impactful in their own calling, the likes of H.E. Dr. Hilda Heine, H.E. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, the late Dr Teresia Teaiwa, Dr. Manu Tupou-Roosen, Dame Meg Taylor, Cristelle Pratt, to name but, a few.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in your field, and how did you overcome them?
The constant, insidious underestimation. Overcoming it wasn’t about ‘breaking glass ceilings,’ it was about building my own building. By consistently exceeding expectations to the point of undeniable dominance, and by making those who underestimated me, regret that choice.
What achievement are you most proud of, and why?
Being a part of the Pacific Womens Professional Development Program (2022-2025) as a partner agency representative and participant, not only built my leadership toolkit and created a regional network for collaboration and information sharing but, it allowed me the rare opportunity to present on the uniqueness of this prestigious program alongside my fellow PWPDP sister, Ms. Emily Dowling of Australian Dept of Home Affairs at the Pacific Regional Law Enforcement Conference in 2022.
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with personal life?
I prioritise. And sometimes, my personal life takes a back seat. I am working on focussing on what is truly important, and ensuring every activity has a designated time and I move on to the next activity.
What advice would you give to young women just starting their careers?
Stop seeking permission. Stop waiting for someone to notice your potential. Be ruthlessly strategic. Build your network, and use it. Learn to negotiate, and don’t be afraid to ask for more than you think you deserve. And never apologise for your ambition.
How have you seen attitudes toward women in your industry change during your career?
We now see more women in leadership roles in Customs and Border Enforcements in the Pacific such as CEO of Samoa Customs and Revenue, Fonoti Talaitupu Lia Taefu, the Australian Border Force Assistant Commissioner Operational Coordination and Planning, Sharon Huey and ABF Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations, Vanessa Holben and NZ Customs Service Chief Executive & Comptroller, Christine Stevenson. It doesn’t stop here, we are hoping to see more women in leadership roles within Customs and Border Enforcement agencies who drive impactful, meaningful change within their own national administrations.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing women today?
Support mechanisms for victims of domestic violence, sexual harassment and exploitation remain at the top for me- there needs to be greater collaborative efforts made with civil society groups, police, religious institutions, the vanua and most importantly the government at establishing the necessary support mechanisms for women and girls who have bravely survived abuse. Creating a pathway for improving their own lives through entrepreneurial means or education or finding suitable employment.
How do you support other women in your workplace or community?
By providing tangible support. By sharing resources, speaking words of encouragement and offering honest, sometimes uncomfortable, feedback. By refusing to engage in unconstructive banter, and actively fostering a culture of collective advancement.
What does leadership mean to you?
Influence, not popularity. It’s about setting a vision, driving change, and having the courage to make difficult decisions. It’s about creating more leaders, not more followers. Its about creating a legacy that inspires others to want to be purpose-driven, intentional and ethical leaders.
What’s one stereotype about women you’d like to challenge?
That we’re inherently collaborative and nurturing. Those qualities are valuable, but they shouldn’t be mistaken for weakness. I challenge the idea that women can’t be decisive, strategic and unapologetically driven.
How do you practice self-care and maintain well-being?
By setting firm boundaries, ruthlessly protecting my time, and prioritizing mental clarity. It’s about knowing when to say ‘no,’ and doing it without guilt. I am no expert but, I’m a work in progress in practicing self-care and my favourite activity always revolves around being present with my children whether its out catching a movie with the kids or watching a game of rugby.
What’s one thing you wish you had known earlier in your career?
That the only limitations were the ones I imposed on myself. There is no greater barrier than the one we erect in our minds and we need to actively and persistently silence the self doubt and press on with unwavering determination.
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