Marica and Jennifer

Marica is currently on secondment to the Ministry of Defence and National Security in Fiji. A soldier by profession, Marica is interested in empowering more women in the Security, Defence and Intelligence sector to take on leadership roles in the Pacific.

Marica believes that empowered women and girls have a crucial role in enhancing national security and reducing violence and crime in Fiji. She hopes to contribute to empowerment and educational programs, reviewing policies and systems to allow more access and participation for women.

Through her Master in Strategic Studies and the Women’s Leadership Initiative, Marica hopes to acquire the relevant knowledge and skills to advocate on issues of National Security, Defence and Intelligence.

Jen is an internationally and nationally acclaimed keynote speaker and published writer. In 2018, she was published in the inaugural international Oxford Handbook on Women, Peace and Security, and in 2020, published her first book, Against the Wind; how women can be their authentic selves in male-dominated professions.

With 38 years of experience in the Australian military, Jen has experience in leadership, organisational change, large-scale cultural and workplace reform, and implementing contemporary and niched people-oriented and gender-responsive policy strategies and policy solutions.

Jen has post-graduate qualifications in logistics, management studies and strategic leadership, and gender, peace and security. She is currently studying for a Master of International Development at the University of Canberra.