Hidden at the back of the Suva markets in Fiji are several free standing one room dwellings that provide a little night time security for the large groups of female rural market vendors that seek shelter there. These rural vendors travel, sometimes for an entire day, by various means, in the hope of selling their crops. They sleep on pieces of cardboard on the floor and eat sparingly, trying to save any money they make, suffering the pressures of economic survival.
What these women want more than anything is access to a toilet, one within close proximity to their accommodation, thereby guaranteeing the safety of themselves and any money they make during the day. Their current toilet is some distance away and a nightly visit often results in robbery and assault.
This series was taken in September last year as part of my internship with the UNWomen’s Office in Fiji and documents the faces of a small number of these rural market vendors and the reality beneath their ‘Bula’ smile.
Submit your work to be considered for solo or group exhibitions in Head On Photo Festival.
Work up close with two of Australia’s pre-eminent photographers, explore regional Australia from a unique viewpoint, meet new people and develop your photographic practice!