Market vendor urges women to help others
Awoman who has been working as a market vendor for more than ten years at Labasa market urges women to stretch out their hands to help others.
Seini Rayaiki of Saqani, Cakaudrove leaves her home in Siberia, Labasa to catch the first bus in order to be at the market by 6am.
Then the 58-year-old mother of three children leaves the market at 6pm.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I would like to encourage all mothers to never give up on themselves,” Ms Rayaiki said.
“Life can never be like a bed of roses.”
Although all her children were happily married and living a good life, she misses her husband who was a pastor of one the Methodist Churches in Macuata and passed away three years ago.
She revealed it wasn’t easy for her to sit in one place, 12 hours from Monday to Saturday and waiting for customers to buy the vegetables and fruits.
“When my husband, Lasawa Rayaiki was alive we used to sell our produce from the farm but now I have to buy from middle men and farmers to see my business continue,” the second eldest of six siblings said. “I am staying with my daughter in law but I work to save money so that I can buy something for myself, travel to church and help others who need my help.” Her mother who is 84-years-old now was once a market vendor and she learnt from her how to do business.
“After dropping out from Year Eight at Daku Primary School in Macuata due to financial difficulties I helped my parents in their farm,” the grandmother of seven grandchildren said.
“No matter what, in everything I go to God in prayer.’ She said as a Christian currently she was participating in the 40 days of fasting staying vegetarian.
“Like Jesus stretched out his hands till his death to help others, I am doing the same and hence, I urge all women to do the same,” she said.
“To the women I would like to advise them to help build other women instead of pulling them down to win something in life.”
She said when the vendor next to her was away she would help her customer, save money and give it to her when she returned from break instead of stealing the customer.