At Natovi Jetty in Tailevu, the delightful experience of enjoying crispy fish parcels is accompanied by an uplifting story of resilience from local women. These committed individuals rise well before dawn, diligently preparing food parcels to cater to the daily influx of commuters and travelers.
Akanisi Wati, a 38-year-old from Nananu Village, embodies this determination. Her day begins at 2 am, merging her new role as a food vendor with her prior employment on an inter-island vessel. Confronted with the challenge of supporting her family after losing her job, Akanisi found her way into food vending as a viable source of income.
Though she initially faced difficulties adjusting to her new path and felt a sense of shame about her situation, Akanisi ultimately recognized that self-pity wouldn’t help her. Embracing her work, she discovered joy and purpose in her 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 expressed.
Over the past five years, her hard work has blossomed into a respected business, enabling her to support her family and contribute positively to the local economy. Each $10 parcel she sells not only nourishes her customers but also aids three to four other local families, as she sources fish from local fishermen and fresh produce from local 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 noted.
Natovi Jetty serves as a lively nexus where 30 other women share similar stories of hard work turned into pride and communal support. Their unwavering dedication nourishes both the bodies and spirits of those passing through the jetty, fostering a strong sense of solidarity among women who understand the value and dignity of their labor. This collective effort exemplifies resilience and hope, reminding us that meaningful work can take many forms.