Rainy weather has not deterred three determined women from Fiji’s Western Division who are committed to selling mangoes in Suva City. Their resilience shines as they brave the elements for the past few weeks to provide for their families and meet financial obligations.
Anaise Gucake, 55, Sereima Sabeta, 52, and Laisiana Tinaitukana, 52, have unique stories that highlight their entrepreneurial spirit. Ms. Gucake transports mangoes from Vadravadra Village in Ba to Suva during the night to ensure she can sell them early the next morning. She expresses gratitude to the owner of Integrated Restaurant for allowing her to set up a stall outside their premises and providing restroom access. In her three weeks of selling mangoes at Walu Bay, she has managed to cover the costs of transportation, stating that her sales can yield significant profits.
Ms. Sabeta, the primary provider for her family, has had to pivot to mango selling after a slowdown in her sugarcane harvesting job. She shares her strategy for supplementing her household income, stating that while transporting mangoes by carrier can be expensive, she finds success selling directly in Suva despite the competition in the market.
Ms. Tinaitukana, who typically sells root crops and vegetables in Nausori, has recently joined her peers in Suva. Having gathered mangoes from her son’s village during the season, she has found that this area offers a lucrative market with less competition. She intends to continue selling mangoes while they are still in season and is pleased with the earnings she has made thus far.
These women demonstrate incredible determination, proving that with persistence and resourcefulness, they can overcome challenges and create opportunities for themselves and their families. Their stories are inspiring, showcasing the strength of women entrepreneurs in their community. It underlines the idea that, regardless of obstacles, they can find ways to succeed.
This spirit of perseverance in the face of adversity is a hopeful reminder that opportunity exists in every situation, and with hard work, one can turn challenges into triumphs.
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