In celebration of International Women’s Day, we spoke with Meliki Logaulu, the HR and Logistics Officer at the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) and a participant in the Pacific Women’s Professional Development Programme (PWPDP). Her insights reflect the ongoing journey towards gender equality in the workplace and the importance of authentic leadership.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally?
For me, International Women’s Day has taken on an even deeper meaning after recently completing a very powerful and inspiring programme on PWPDP for women in Customs. That experience truly highlighted the strength, resilience, and potential of women in customs. Personally, International Women’s Day is a time to be authentic, be positive and to look to the future with hope.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career or life journey that shaped who you are today?
During the Pacific Women’s Professional Development in Customs program, sessions on building confidence as a leader, influencer and decision-maker and exploring steps for building our personal resilience and reputation were empowering. The shared experiences of other women leaders/speakers and their proven strategies to overcome challenges helped me realise that I had the strength and resources to address them. This experience has now shaped my approach to leadership, making me more confident in advocating for women and creating a more inclusive work environment.
Who are the women who have inspired you most, and why?
The PWPD programme for women in customs was transformative. I was inspired by all the great women leaders that shared their insights on leadership, and each speaker had their own twist to their leadership journeys. Women such as:
- Akosita Valamalua from World Customs Organisation who spoke on Self-Awareness and how it was a critical quality for Leadership (Why – It is important to know your purpose, passion and why we serve in our different agencies)
- Comptroller Christine Stevenson from NZ Customs shared her insights on Cultivating an adaptive mindset (Why – We need to be flexible and nimble in order to respond effectively to new threats)
- Assistant Commissioner Sharon Huey (ABF) spoke on Critical thinking and decision making (Why – Critical thinking and decision making are both essential elements of good leadership)
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with personal life?
Balancing professional responsibilities with my personal life is something that has not always been perfect, but I’ve found a few key strategies that work for me:
I’m a big believer in effective planning. I prioritise tasks both at work and in my personal life and allocate time accordingly. This involves using tools like calendars and to-do lists to stay organised and ensure that important commitments are met.
I utilise time management techniques to maximise productivity during work hours. This allows me to complete tasks efficiently and minimise overtime.
I recognise the importance of self-care and make time for activities that help me recharge.
I have learned that it is okay to say no to extra responsibilities when my plate is already full.
Ultimately, I view work-life balance as an ongoing process as it requires flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to adjust my approach as needed.
What advice would you give to young women just starting their careers?
As a seasoned HR professional, I’d offer these pieces of advice to young women just starting their careers:
- Seek out mentors, both women and men, who can offer guidance and support.
- Commit to lifelong learning. Stay curious, seek out opportunities to develop new skills, and stay up-to-date on industry trends. Don’t be afraid to take on challenges that push you outside your comfort zone.
- Don’t wait for someone else to recognise your accomplishments. Learn to articulate your value and advocate for your needs.
- Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your ideas, even if you’re the only woman in the room. Confidence is built over time, so start practising now.
- You will encounter setbacks and challenges throughout your career. Develop strategies for managing stress and building resilience.
- Prioritise your well-being. Set boundaries, make time for self-care, and don’t be afraid to ask for flexibility when you need it.
- Be authentic and don’t try to be someone you’re not. Your unique strengths and perspectives are what make you valuable. Embrace your authenticity and let it shine.
- Support other women and share your knowledge and experiences, and create a supportive community. We are stronger together.
- Don’t be afraid to fail as failure is a part of growth. Learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward.
- Remember, your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, persistent, and believe in your own potential.
What do you think is the biggest issue facing women today?
The biggest issue facing women today is multifaceted. Some of these issues are:
- The Gender Pay Gap: Women, particularly women of colour, consistently earn less than men for comparable work. This not only impacts their economic security but also reinforces the devaluation of women’s contributions.
- Lack of Representation in Leadership: Women remain underrepresented in positions of power across various sectors, including business, politics, and technology. This limits their ability to influence decision-making and create equitable outcomes.
- Gender-Based Violence and Harassment: Violence against women remains a pervasive issue globally. This includes domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment in the workplace and public spaces.
- Access to Healthcare: In many places, women lack adequate access to reproductive healthcare and other essential services. This directly impacts their health, well-being, and ability to control their own lives.
What does leadership mean to you?
As an HR professional, leadership to me means fostering a workplace where everyone feels empowered, valued, and able to reach their full potential.
What’s one stereotype about women you’d like to challenge?
I’d challenge the stereotype that women are overly emotional. We’re capable of great empathy and intuition, which are powerful assets in leadership, not weaknesses.
How do you practice self-care and maintain well-being?
I prioritise daily evening and morning exercises, mindful breathing exercises, and disconnecting from screens before bed.
What’s one thing you wish you had known earlier in your career?
I wish I’d known earlier the importance of actively building a strong network and advocating for other women and women in customs.
END.
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