Mother helps provide for family
GUARDFORCE Fiji security officer Inise Rasauliwa has been in this field for 11 years and shares on International Women’s Day that her work is challenging.
She went through security training before becoming a security guard.
The Lekanai, Gau, native works from Mondays to Fridays and sometimes on weekends as well.
She lives in Raiwaqa with her husband and their 12-year-old son.
Waking up everyday is a challenge for Mrs Rasauliwa as she has to juggle between home and work. "I have to leave my son as early as 5-6 am in the mornings for work," she said.
Being a working mum is not easy especially when she has to wake up early, make sure her son's meals are ready and everything else in the home is in place before she leaves for the day.
Even though her husband works too, the 35-year-old says she doesn't depend on anyone and above all she wants to support him in any way she can - which is the main reason she keeps working.
"I love my husband and my son, they are the reason why I strive hard. I don't like to stay home and do nothing."
Mrs Rasauliwa said she was able to provide for her family alongside her husband, pay the bills, meet their son's educational expenses and cater for other expenses in the home through her work. She shared that most times people tend to look down on security officers, but she did not let this get to her. Her experience during the pandemic was quite amazing since most work places were closed and workers were laid off, Mrs Rasauliwa said she was fortunate that the company kept its employees and the work flow going.
She says before she starts her day she says a little prayer and asks the Lord Almighty to give her the strength she needs to guide her throughout her shift. By working for the past 12 years as a security officer, she was able to help her husband build their home.
"We were able to build our own family home, and I am glad that with what I earn it has helped me and my family in many ways," she said.
Mrs Rasauliwa challenges women out there who feel the need to help their spouses, not to be afraid to try anything out. "I encourage women to never be ashamed of what you do for a living.
“People's opinion doesn’t matter when it comes to the wellbeing of your family." She believes that women can also help their husbands by doing whatever they can to put food on the table. "We don't have to choose our jobs, as long as you earn money - that's all that matters," she said.