Seiloni Akanete Toakuru, a Tongan-born woman and Vanuatu citizen, has become the first Vanuatuan woman to graduate from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Toakuru earned her Masters of Maritime Studies and Maritime Affairs, specializing in maritime law and policy, from the World Maritime University in Sweden. She was among over 260 graduates from 70 countries.
Reflecting on the challenges, she said, “It took a lot of sacrifices, patience, and perseverance. If you want something in life, you have to go after it.”
Toakuru hopes her achievement inspires more women in Vanuatu to join the maritime industry. “It is my contribution to Vanuatu in the maritime sector,” she said.
Now back in Vanuatu, Toakuru serves as Acting Deputy International Commissioner for the Maritime Safety Authority, focusing on strategies and policies to advance the nation’s maritime capabilities.
Source: RNZ