Ana Tuiketei-Bolabiu is a Pacific trailblazer and a role model for many young Pacific women aiming to amplify the voices of Oceania.
Ms Tuiketei-Bolabiu, 39, has been appointed to the World Anti Doping Agency’s Independent Ethics Board in a meeting held in Cairo, Egypt.
The international body is made up of 118 countries and 12 regional bodies.
This is not Ms Tuiketei’s first rodeo – she has been breaking barriers and setting records.
Mrs Tuiketei-Bolabiu is listed as a defence counsel in the International Criminal Court, is on the World Rug-by judicial committee and is also an arbitrator on the general list of the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
In May 2020, she became the first Pacific woman to be listed in the International Criminal Court (ICC) registry of counsels.
“To be recommended by WADA’s nomination committee out of 72 applications from around the world is not only a blessing, but speaks volumes on what Oceania has to offer,” said Ms Tuiketei-Bolabiu.
“I look forward to collaborating with my other 8 board members as we meet in June to not only see tasks that are time sensitive but also to carry out our mandate.
“In my three years term I hope to contribute to the execution of governance reforms, further improve diversity, and further enhance stakeholder engagements as we continue to promote WADA’s mission of a doping-free sport.”
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This is a great achievement for the Pacific, said Fijian Sports Commission chairman Peter Mazey.
Ms Tuiketei-Bolabiu believes that life is more than just achievements. She is a firm believer in doing things which will allow others to grow as well.
She was born in Suva, and her mother is a doctor and is currently an Assistant Professor with the Fiji National University, School of Medical Sciences.
Her dad worked for the Fiji Sugar Corporation as a Production Superintendent and later became General Manager of FSC at various Mills.
Ms Tuiketei-Bolabiu said she learnt about balance, priorities, politics, equity, passion, and standards at an early age, and it was a good training ground for life.
She believes that all the choices a person makes leads him or her to where they are meant to be.
She is a law graduate, and is in the business of providing international solutions in the hope for a more secure and vibrant tomorrow.
Her portfolio ranges from international commercial arbitration, regulatory compliance, criminal defence, good governance, international sports, law reform, public sector management, international public law, and social justice – to name a few.
“It is challenging in the sense that you must make time to perfect your craft and communicate the process so people around you don’t resent your choice or calling,” she said.
“My motivation has always been to make our world a better place by constructing systems that provide the best solution for a better tomorrow.”
