As women across the globe come together to honor International Women’s Day, the inspiring story of Shobna Devi exemplifies the remarkable resilience and achievements of returned women workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Originally from Taveuni and now a resident of Centrepoint in Suva, Mrs. Devi set out for Australia in 2015 in pursuit of better opportunities for herself and her family. There, she worked tirelessly in various roles, including as a hotel cleaner, and took on physically demanding tasks such as cutting plants, cleaning accommodations, trimming hedges, and harvesting grapes. Despite the challenges she faced, her determination to succeed never faltered.
“My husband passed away, so I needed to earn money for my children’s education and to support my family,” Mrs. Devi shared, reflecting on the difficult decision to leave her children behind. “I went there with a goal, and I’ve achieved it.”
Upon her return home, Mrs. Devi invested in her future by purchasing a house in Suva, ensuring her children completed their education. Today, they are grown, married, and employed, with one even residing in Brisbane. “Now I am very happy. My children are settled, and I am proud of what I have done for them,” she expressed.
With her children now independent, Mrs. Devi has opened her home to nine university students, offering them a place to stay during their studies while acknowledging the burden of high rents in Suva. Ahead of International Women’s Day, she shares a powerful message with women everywhere: “We should not think we are only meant for housework. We can work anywhere. We can do jobs men do. Whatever we decide to do, we can achieve it.”
Mrs. Devi’s story serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment, encouraging women to recognize their strength and seize opportunities that come their way. Her journey not only showcases individual achievement but also underscores the importance of supporting one another in the pursuit of dreams and better futures.
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