At 6 a.m., while many are still nestled in their beds, Ulamila Rabe is already up and about. Her job requires her to hit the streets as dawn breaks, and although her role as one of Savusavu’s street cleaners is demanding, Ulamila is both content and proud of her work. “My job pays the bills,” she stated. “It is an important one, and I have to love it.”
Alongside two other female colleagues, Ulamila plays a vital part in keeping the streets of Savusavu free of litter. This job, often overlooked and undervalued, is essential for the community. “It is not an easy job, but it is satisfying, especially knowing that you are part of a beauty campaign,” she explained. “When I’m tired at the end of the day, I look at the clean streets and feel good.”
Despite facing a lack of appreciation, Ulamila and her colleagues continue their work diligently, wielding brooms and dustbins across Savusavu. Three years ago, in response to the increasing litter problem as tourism surged, local authorities formed an all-female street-cleaning team. The rationale was simple: if women have the ability to manage a household, they could also maintain a clean town.
This proved to be an effective strategy, as people quickly began to notice the difference in the town’s appearance. The female street cleaners work six days a week, divided into two shifts: from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Another dedicated street cleaner, Tikoivatukoula Vuniqaikula, originates from Qeleni, Wainikeli in the province of Cakaudrove and now resides in Urata Village with her husband. Previously a stay-at-home mom reliant on her husband’s farming income, Tikoivatukoula now earns her own money, contributing to her family’s finances. “It didn’t take long before authorities found out that we did a better job than men, and the streets looked cleaner at the end of the day,” she noted. “From then on, the job was given permanently to us three women.”
Initially hesitant to sweep streets in public, the women dealt with feelings of fear and shame. They reminded themselves of the importance of their role and began treating their work like household chores. “Now we are proud of what we do. We see it as an important contribution to the community,” Tikoivatukoula added. “Without us, Savusavu would be a mess, and our streets would be filthy.”
Tikoivatukoula expressed gratitude for her struggles, which have motivated her to work hard and persevere. “Sweeping rubbish on the streets may seem unworthy, but in humble positions like this, a person can become an example to the world,” she said. “We want to share our story globally, showcasing the significant role women play in keeping Savusavu clean and beautiful. Wherever we are placed, we must perform our best.”
Ulamila lives just outside town in Yaroi, caring for her two youngest children who attend secondary school. Her earnings are dedicated to providing them with better opportunities, away from the streets of Savusavu. The work that Ulamila and Tikoivatukoula carry out is neither glamorous nor well-paid. They endure exposure to the elements—sunshine, wind, and rain—as well as the risk of insults and harassment. Yet, they strive to do their best, recognizing that communities are grappling with increasing waste disposal challenges and littering.
Overflowing public waste bins lead to unclean streets, unpleasant odors, and negative effects on health and the environment. Without proper equipment and tools, their work can become burdensome, unhealthy, and unsafe. Nonetheless, Ulamila and Tikoivatukoula remain resolute, believing that their job is crucial for fostering a beautiful, healthy, and disease-free environment.
“We enjoy the work because it aligns with our domestic responsibilities. Women are resilient and enduring,” stated Ulamila. “All we ask is for people to take responsibility for their waste. Always dispose of it properly in bins and respect the environment, allowing everyone to enjoy living in clean and safe surroundings.”