Vidhya Jattan, a grandmother in Labasa, has become a notable figure among passengers at the Waiqele Airport, defying gender stereotypes in a male-dominated profession. As the first person to greet travelers from Sunflower Airlines, she stands by her vibrant three-tone bus, ready to transport them to town and back—all for free.
Despite the obstacles she faces, including navigating local driving habits that often disregard traffic rules, Vidhya has embraced her role as a bus driver. At 47, she describes the job simply: “It’s just to town and back, no problem.” This perspective highlights her confidence and resilience, especially considering she was still learning to drive before taking on this responsibility.
J juggling bus driving with domestic duties, Vidhya returns to her household to tend to her grandson, Jaisheed, and manage chores after each shift. Living adjacent to the airport facilitates her schedule, allowing her to balance work and family seamlessly.
Her venture into driving was encouraged by her husband, Ram Jattan, who, due to his commitments with the Fiji Electricity Authority, was unable to take on the role himself. He expressed pride in Vidhya’s achievements, highlighting her successful completion of the heavy public service vehicle license test on her first attempt—a feat she accomplished driving a seven-tonne bus.
When asked if she is interested in being Fiji’s first full-time woman bus driver, Vidhya humbly affirmed her preference for part-time driving and full-time homemaking, showcasing her contentment with her current balance of work and family life.
Vidhya Jattan’s story is a testament to breaking barriers and the empowerment of women in unconventional roles, all while maintaining the warmth of family life—a truly inspiring narrative.
Leave a comment