WOMEN in the North will soon be roped in as fish wardens.
North divisional fisheries officer Joji Vakawaletabua said while most villages had men as fish wardens, plans were drawn up by his team to include women.
"It is important that women be included in the field of monitoring and protecting the qoliqoli as fish wardens," Mr Vakawaletabua said.
"There are times when men go out to the farms and can spend a whole day there because of the distance from the village.
"So, we have decided that it will also be good to include women who can step in and help while the men are busy."
He said a team from the Fisheries Department would visit the villages to raise awareness of the opportunity offered to the women.
"Women need to know their new roles when they are appointed and they also need to know the importance of their role.
"So they will be told the proper channels and what measures to take when it comes to reporting illegal activity in the qoliqoli."
He said women played a vital role in communities and involving them would be of great help to the men.
He said it was good for his team to visit the villages so they could exchange ideas with women about their new roles.
Today, the women of Macuata celebrate with their minister, Doctor Jiko Luveni, International Women's Day at Labasa's Subrail Park.