In the South Pacific, three extraordinary women are rewriting history and breaking barriers in the world of scuba diving, becoming trailblazers of the deep.
The momentum of the 10th Annual PADI Women’s Dive Day, celebrated in July 2024, continues to inspire and energize the diving community. This milestone event has helped elevate female representation in diving, with women now making up 40% of divers globally and female certifications steadily outpacing male certifications year after year.
While the gender gap among PADI Professionals still exists, trailblazers like Yvanah Kassao, Cathy Savei, and Euna Zio are leading the charge. These pioneering women—hailing from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands—are not only breaking barriers but also paving the way for future generations of women in diving.
A Historic Milestone for the South Pacific
As 2024 draws to a close, both Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands hosted their first PADI Instructor Development Courses (IDCs) and PADI Instructor Examinations (IEs) in over a decade. This landmark event produced six new Indigenous PADI Professionals, including the first-ever Ni-Vanuatu women and the first female Solomon Islander to achieve the prestigious PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor rating.
Their success represents a powerful step forward, not just for the diving industry but for gender equality in the South Pacific.
Meet the Inspiring Women Changing the Game
Yvanah Kassao: A Dive into Empowerment
At just 28 years old, Yvanah Kassao has made history as one of the first female Ni-Vanuatu PADI Instructors. Originally from the remote island of Tanna, Yvanah later moved to Espiritu Santo to work at PADI Dive Resort Turtle Bay Lodge. It was here, in March 2023, that she took her first breath underwater and fell in love with the ocean’s depths.
From that moment, Yvanah was determined to turn her passion into a profession. By November 2024, she had achieved her goal of becoming a trailblazer for women in her community.
“As one of the first female Ni-Vanuatu PADI Instructors, I’m so proud of myself for reaching this level. As a single mom, I want to encourage all Ni-Van women—and women around the world—to believe in themselves, think positively, and chase their dreams.”
Join Yvanah for an unforgettable diving experience or PADI course at Turtle Bay Lodge on the stunning island of Santo.
Cathy Savei: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Dreams
For 25-year-old Cathy Savei, diving was a fateful opportunity. She was first invited to try scuba by Christina, the owner of PADI 5 Star IDC Centre Big Blue. Cathy then completed her PADI Open Water Course in November 2022. At the time, she was preparing to study marine biology. However, diving opened her eyes to a new way of combining her love for the ocean with meaningful work.
As Cathy progressed through her PADI courses, her passion for teaching took center stage. Now, she’s not only sharing the joy of diving but also inspiring her community to embrace the underwater world.
“Becoming one of the first female Ni-Vanuatu instructors is an incredible milestone. It’s about breaking barriers, challenging norms, and proving that women can achieve extraordinary things. I hope to inspire young Ni-Vanuatu women to follow their dreams and explore what’s possible.”
Book a dive or PADI course with Cathy at Big Blue in beautiful Port Vila.
Euna Zio: A Champion for Ocean Conservation
At 35, Euna Zio has made history as the first female Solomon Islander to become a PADI Instructor. Her scuba journey began in 2009 when she took her PADI Open Water Course. Since then, she has dedicated her life to sharing the beauty of the Solomon Islands’ reefs, from vibrant corals to mesmerizing macro critters.
Beyond her role as an instructor, Euna is a passionate advocate for ocean conservation. She works tirelessly to educate local communities about protecting the blue planet. Her hope is that her achievements will inspire others to follow in her footsteps.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to become a PADI Instructor. In my country, this has always been a role dominated by men. I’m proud to be the first female to break this barrier and to show others the breathtaking beauty of diving in the Solomon Islands.”
Dive with Euna at Magical Munda, a PADI 5 Star IDC Centre in the heart of the Solomon Islands.
Your Journey Starts Here
These incredible women are leading the way, proving that diving is for everyone, regardless of gender or background. If their stories have inspired you to explore a career in diving, visit PADI Professional Education or contact your local PADI Dive Centre or Resort to get started.
Let’s continue to celebrate and support women in diving, ensuring the underwater world is accessible to all.
For the Featured Image at the Top of the Blog Post: Left to right. Back row : Fabrice Billandon, Daryll Bird (PADI Course Director), Joshua Ernst. Middle row: Tommy Hake, David Noel, Alex Sile, Kolen Soromon, Nathan Prendergast (PADI Instructor Examiner), Mick Burberry (PADI IDCS Instructor). Front row: Roy Nabanga, Cathy Savei, Yvanah Kassao, Worren William.
