At 6 a.m., while many remain comfortably in bed, Ulamila Rabe is already up and about. Her job requires her to be on the streets as dawn breaks, and despite the demanding nature of her work, Ulamila takes pride in her role as one of Savusavu’s street cleaners.
“My job pays the bills,” she stated. “It is important, and I have to love it.”
Together with two other female colleagues, Ulamila plays a crucial part in keeping the streets of Savusavu clean. Although some may overlook the significance of such work, it is essential for the community.
“It is not easy, but it is fulfilling, especially knowing that we contribute to beautifying our town,” she explained. “At the end of the day, when I feel tired, I look at the clean streets and feel a sense of accomplishment.”
Even though their work often goes unappreciated, Ulamila and her co-workers continue diligently, moving along the bustling streets of Savusavu. About three years ago, in response to the rising litter issue, especially during peak tourist seasons, local authorities decided to establish an all-female street cleaning team. The belief was simple: women, who traditionally manage household cleanliness, could bring the same care to the town’s streets.
This approach proved effective, and soon residents began to notice a marked improvement. The female street cleaners work six days a week in two shifts, from 6 a.m. to noon and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
One of Ulamila’s colleagues, Tikoivatukoula Vuniqaikula, comes from Qeleni, Wainikeli, in the province of Cakaudrove and resides in Urata Village with her husband. Before joining the street cleaning team, she was a stay-at-home mother relying on her farmer husband for support. Now, her job not only puts money in her pocket but also helps sustain her family.
“It didn’t take long for the authorities to realize that we were doing a better job than men, and the streets looked much cleaner by the end of the day,” Tikoivatukoula shared. “From then on, the work was given to us permanently.”
Initially, the women were hesitant about sweeping in public due to fear and embarrassment, as no iTaukei women had taken on this role before. However, they soon overcame their insecurities, recognizing the importance of their task.
“We were shy at first, worried about how people would view us,” Tikoivatukoula said. “Now we are proud of what we do. We see it as an essential contribution to our community.”
She reflected on their vital role, emphasizing that without them, Savusavu would be littered and dirty. Tikoivatukoula expressed gratitude for her circumstances, stating that her feelings of desperation drove her to work hard and endure.
“Sweeping the streets might seem like an unworthy job, but it is in humble positions where God can uplift someone and make them an example,” she noted. “We want to share the inspiring story of what women are accomplishing to keep Savusavu clean and beautiful.”
Ulamila lives in Yaroi, outside the town, where she looks after her two youngest children attending secondary school. Her earnings go towards providing her children with better opportunities in life, far removed from the streets.
Despite the challenging and often hazardous nature of their work, Ulamila and Tikoivatukoula do not let low pay and exposure to the elements deter them. They are committed to addressing the significant challenges posed by increasing waste and litter in their communities.
With overflowing public waste bins contributing to unsightly streets and negatively impacting health and the environment, the need for proper equipment and tools for street sweepers is essential to ensure their work is safe and manageable.
However, Ulamila and Tikoivatukoula remain determined, believing that their job is ideal for women and crucial for maintaining a clean, healthy environment.
“We enjoy our work because it mirrors the responsibilities we have at home. Women are resilient and persistent,” Ulamila stated. “We only ask people to take responsibility for their waste, to dispose of it properly in bins, and to respect the environment and others’ right to live in a clean, safe place.”