The heartaches of a divorce could not drag Seini Tabaki down.
If anything, the end of her marriage 15 years ago made her stronger. There were moments of grief and regret, but she chose to move on.
With six children to inspire her, Seini now runs a small food business that supports her family.
At Valelevu Market she sells freshly mixed nama, kokoda and seafood combinations alongside boiled cassava, dalo and vudi.
For the 45-year-old, the small stall represents much more than a place to sell food. It is the lifeline that keeps her family going.
Seini is from Waikete in Nakelo, Tailevu Province and shares maternal links to Cautata in Bau. She now lives along Vuci Road in Nausori.
Before turning to market vending, she ran a small food business in Nausori Town.
“I used to sell food packs, fish batter and cassava plus pastries like pies and banana cakes.”
Like many small business owners, the COVID period forced her to rethink her livelihood.
“After the pandemic I decided to get into a new business because I had 6 children and at the time, three were in high school and one was in tertiary.”
“I saw that life was getting a bit tougher so I thought of changing to a new business.”
Seini says her children grew up watching her struggle and work hard.
“My children know how hard I’ve been struggling. I have taught them to persevere.”
“Money I earn pays our rent, bills and tuition fees. I don’t want any of my children to go through the hardships I went through.”
She also plans carefully for the future.
“I have to be smart and have a savings plan to help me when things get tough.”
“I first put my tithe away before saving some of what I earn. I save in the bank, with M-PAiSA and I have a group savings. I set aside $250 a week.”
Faith helped her through her most difficult time.
“To help me through my painful divorce, praying became my habit. I prayed every day, believing god would see me through. I didn’t just believe, I worked hard on what I believed in.”
“Even though my children’s dad was not around, I made sure I was both their mum and dad.”
Her experience has shaped her belief in the strength of women.
“Women are strong inside, we can do both a woman and a man’s job.”
“As long as we have the heart and the right mindset we can do anything.”
