Saturday mornings have become my sanctuary, a time to immerse myself in the beauty of humanity and witness the triumph of the human spirit. It is during these precious hours that I engage in one of my greatest passions: marketing. However, my love for marketing extends far beyond the thrill of buying fresh produce; it encompasses the profound connection I feel with the rural, remote women of Fiji.
Imagine, if you will, a group of determined women who travel for hours, traversing rough roads and enduring arduous journeys, just to sell their goods in the markets scattered across Fiji. These remarkable women are accompanied by their little ones, innocent souls who witness their mothers’ unwavering dedication firsthand. They toil tirelessly, working sunup to sundown, driven by a singular purpose: to provide for their families.
Each meager sum these women collect from their tireless efforts goes towards acquiring the bare essentials – sugar, flour, tin fish, rice, oil, salt – the necessities of life. Their hard-earned money is not meant for luxuries like cheese; it is solely reserved for survival. And so, whenever I engage in transactions with these courageous women, I refuse to negotiate for discounts. How can I haggle over the price of their sweat and determination? How can I not acknowledge the magnitude of their struggles?
These remarkable individuals, these unsung heroes, possess an unparalleled strength. They lack the safety nets of insurance coverage or social support, yet they confront life’s obstacles with a radiant smile etched on their faces. Venture into Suva market, and you’ll find these remarkable souls seated outside the main marketplace, their unwavering presence an indomitable testament to their resilience.
Every Saturday, I dedicate over an hour of my time to simply observe these incredible women. Their perseverance inspires me, their spirit fills me with awe. Through sunshine and downpour, they stand tall, unwavering in their commitment to their craft. It was on a recent Saturday, much like any other, that I encountered a defining moment.
As I completed my final purchase of the day, I caught sight of a young boy in the corner of my eye. There he sat, all alone, painstakingly bundling Ota, the indigenous Fijian fern that grows abundantly along riverbanks. Ota, a cherished delicacy, brims with nutritional value – fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin B. While I hadn’t planned on purchasing any that day, something stirred deep within my heart, urging me to buy Ota from this boy.
Perhaps it was the boy’s presence, reminiscent of my own childhood, where working on the farm was a means to support our humble family. I approached him, drawn to his solitary figure. His name was Akuila, a fourteen-year-old attending Lomaivuna Secondary School. When I asked if he had come with his mother to sell, he shared that she was toiling away on the farm while he manned the market stall alone.
Akuila spoke with a maturity beyond his years, revealing that his family’s well-being was his utmost priority. “My parents work hard, and the least I can do is come here to sell in the market,” he explained. His voice quivered with conviction as he expressed his lack of shame in engaging in this livelihood. Akuila found solace in the joy his earnings and purchased groceries brought to his family’s life. Witnessing their happiness filled him with a sense of purpose, a purpose he embraced wholeheartedly.
As I listened to Akuila’s words, tears streamed down my face, my emotions overwhelming me. I walked away from that encounter, forever transformed. In that moment, I couldn’t help but reflect upon the stark contrast of our existence. I thought of the privileged children in our society, like my nephews, engrossed in their gadgets, leisurely swimming or enjoying fast-food delights. And then, I envisioned Akuila, tirelessly selling Ota to support his family’s survival.
The parents of these privileged children often assert that their hard work entitles their offspring to a life of luxury. Yet, Akuila’s parents, toiling just as fervently, struggle to make ends meet. It is a sobering reality, a profound juxtaposition. I find myself filled with the utmost respect and admiration for these hardworking rural women, their resilient children, and their families.
In these bustling markets, I witness the embodiment of strength, the embodiment of love. It is a reminder that life’s true riches lie not in material possessions, but in the bonds we forge, the struggles we overcome, and the joy we find amidst adversity. May we honor these remarkable women, acknowledging their unwavering spirit and celebrating their resilience.