At Natovi Jetty, nestled in the heart of Tailevu, the simple pleasure of indulging in crispy fish parcels is accompanied by an inspiring tale of resilience crafted by local women. These dedicated individuals start their day long before dawn, working tirelessly in their kitchens to prepare food parcels to sell to the daily stream of commuters and travelers.
Akanisi Wati, a 38-year-old from Nananu Village, exemplifies this spirit. Her daily routine kicks off at 2 am, as she embarks on her entrepreneurial journey after leaving her position on an inter-island vessel. Faced with the daunting task of providing for her family without a job, Akanisi turned to food vending as a source of income.
Initially struggling with the transition and grappling with feelings of shame about her new role, she soon realized that self-pity would not serve her. Embracing her work, she learned to find joy and purpose in her new endeavor. “I would like to tell young people never to be shy about the work they do to earn an honest living and support the family. To me, that is the same as any noble profession,” she shared.
Over the past five years, Akanisi’s perseverance has flourished into a respectable business, allowing her to support not only her family but also contribute to the local economy. Each $10 parcel not only provides nourishment to her customers but also supports three or four local families, as she purchases fish from local fishermen and fresh produce from farmers.
“Things were a bit different when I started, but now I enjoy what I do because I work with other women like me, meet new faces each day, and love the idea of satisfying a person’s hunger,” Akanisi remarked.
Natovi Jetty stands as a vibrant hub where 30 other women like Akanisi turn hard work into a source of pride and community support. Their dedication not only nourishes the bodies of those who pass through the jetty but also creates a sense of solidarity among women who recognize the value and dignity of their labor. Their collective spirit is a testament to resilience and hope, illustrating that truly fulfilling work comes in many forms.