On the island of Nauru, the third smallest country in the world, Jacobina Gaiyabu is proudly the first woman to join the maintenance team at Nauru Support Services, helping challenge perceptions about women working in trades.

Nauru Support Services is a AU$28 million investment implemented by Palladium through the Nauru–Australia Partnership. Across the island, the programme is strengthening economic governance, education, health and infrastructure, and supporting regional programs including social protection, labour mobility, sport and humanitarian assistance.

Every day Jacobina puts on her yellow high-vis vest and feels proud. “I am excited when I wear it. I feel stronger,” she says.

Jacobina is from Anetan, one of Nauru’s 14 districts. “It’s known as the place you go to catch a breath,” she explains. “It’s on the quieter side of Nauru and there’s not much traffic.” Her interest in fixing things began when she was just 13 years old, when she started helping her father. “My father depended on me to fix things at home that were broken, like patching the electrics.” Her five brothers and three sisters weren’t interested in house maintenance and electrics, but Jacobina was, and she jumped at the opportunity to help. Now, she says, her brothers call her for help and are proud of what she has achieved.

But while Jacobina was supported, not all girls receive the same message. “Some girls are told they can’t do jobs like maintenance,” she says. “Men say to girls they can’t touch the tools.”

The Government of Nauru and the Government of Australia share a long-standing partnership grounded in mutual respect and cooperation, working together to support Nauru’s resilience, stability and prosperity. Through the Nauru-Australia Partnership, programs are helping expand opportunities for Nauruans, including supporting skills training and more inclusive workplaces.

Today Jacobina works alongside an all-male maintenance team at Nauru Support Services. Jacobina is the first woman to join the team, and while the role has been exciting, it has also come with challenges. At first, some colleagues were hesitant to give her challenging tasks. But Jacobina kept trying and proving what she could do.

Colleague and Operations Manager, Yoshi Haris, says it has been a new experience for many men on the team. “In all my years of working, I’ve never seen any woman in the maintenance team. It’s always been dominated by men,” he says. He explains that some hesitation comes from long-standing social beliefs. “Some of the men might not ask Jacobina to help lift something because they think she’s a woman. But they need to remember that Jacobina can really help out.”

Over the years Jacobina has built a range of practical skills through Nauru’s Department of Vocational Training and Professional Development courses and community skills initiatives such as the Alternative Pathways Program, often being the only woman enrolled on training. She has completed courses that include construction pathways, cabinet making and joinery, and small engine repair, enjoying the creative side of the work. “I like doing the finishing touches the most, painting and making it look nice, and that’s what I do at home as well.”

For Jacobina, maintenance work is about curiosity and determination. “I like to fix things that others don’t know how to fix,” she says. “I want to touch it and know I can do it. I want to get my hands dirty!”

Her Team Leader Mitch Grummisch says Jacobina’s positive attitude has made her a valued member of the team. “Jacobina is a ray of sunshine,” he says. “She’s always happy and smiling and brings great energy to the team.” Grummisch says her journey has also helped shift perceptions, and in a small island nation of just over 12,000 people, achievements like this are quickly noticed. “Jacobina is the first woman to join the maintenance team and that’s no small achievement, particularly here in Nauru.” He believes change takes time, but there are strong signs of progress.

For Jacobina, the journey is also about her family. She has four children, two boys and two girls. “Obviously, I want my kids to be like me,” she says. “But I respect their choices, especially the girls. I let them pick whatever pathway they want to.”

When asked what makes Nauru special to her, Jacobina’s answer is simple. “Freedom,” she says. “Freedom to choose your path.”

And when asked what message she has for other girls who might want to follow a similar path, Jacobina answers simply: “If I can do it, basically any girl can do it.”

Through the Nauru-Australia Partnership, the governments of Nauru and Australia work together to strengthen economic governance, education, health and infrastructure, with further support through regional programs including social protection, labour mobility, sport and humanitarian assistance. The Nauru Support Services is funded by the Australian Government and implemented by Palladium.