A woman from Tuvalu, who led a regional operation to combat illegal fishing in the Pacific, is hoping she can inspire other women to take on leadership roles.
Last month, Senior Constable Sepola Niulakita became the first female to lead the joint maritime and fisheries exercise, Operation Kurukuru.
Several nations belonging to the Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency took part in the operation which covered 21 million square kilometres.
Ms Niulakita said she hopes other women will be inspired to become regional leaders.
"We all can be leaders. It's really encouraging to be the first female Chief-of-Staff. To me, I would like to encourage my other colleagues, females, we can do anything. We can step out from our comfort zones, especially working together with the different nations."