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BY REBECCA MACKIN

THE harsh realities of daily struggles to make an ends meet is a constant challenge many housewives in the Solomon Islands continue to face daily in a society heavily influenced by money.

Despite such dilemma many mothers continue to battle their challenges by adapting to the constant change of times.

This week Solomon Women Newspaper got the chance to interview one of our local and hardworking mother, Florence, who struggles every day by running a small market generating business to sustain her family daily needs and wants.

Solomon Women Newspaper (SWN): What’s your age?

Florence (F): I couldn’t quite remember but I think I’m in my mid-30s.

SWN: Is your Husband working?

F: Yes, but at the moment he is under suspension and will resume work sometimes next month.

SWN: How many children do you have?

F: Four children, two boys and two girls’ .The two elder ones are from my husband’s first marriage but I treat and raise them as my own children.

SWN: When and how did you began your market?

F: Well my family came to live in town at the beginning of this year. My husband’s salary wasn’t enough to provide for our daily needs. Therefore I decided to do something to help my husband and that is when I decide to start my little market by selling food. Life in town is different from a village life because we depend very much on money for survival.

SWN: Why did your Family came to town?

F: It’s because my eldest daughter is getting married on June so we came here to prepare for the wedding.

SWN: In your little market, what types of food do you sell?

F: Ring cakes, Ball Rice, Fish & chips and popcorn.

SWN: Where do you do your market?

F: At White River School.

SWN: Are your children in School?

F: Not at the moment but before coming to town they did attend school at home (my village). School fees in town are quiet expensive and we could not afford to enroll them because the little money earned is purposely for our food and nothing else. Q. How much do you normally earn from your market? Each day I normally earn $200 -$300.

SWN: What do you do with the money earned?

F: I used the money to meet our basic needs like food, washing soaps and sometimes if I have enough money I get clothing for my children.

SWN: What are the challenges you face in running your market?

F: Well, my every day challenge is getting up very early in the mornings to prepare the foods. I usually get up at 3am in the morning. It’s tough because every day I don’t have enough rest.

In the mornings I travelled to school to sell and I normally come home at 11am. It’s hard but if I missed one day my family will have nothing to eat.

So, I have to face it despite being tired and need a little rest. Another challenge is leaving two of my younger children alone at home while I’m away at school to sell my food.

There were times when I came home after market I had to go and looked for them at my neighbors’ houses or around my neighborhood.

Children always get dirty when they play and I always feel sorry for them because sometimes when I found them, they looked so dirty.

Since running my market I feel I was neglecting my children in many ways because as a mother we need to take care of our children, making sure they are clean, safe when playing and are unharmed.

It’s really tough but I had to make money and only through my market I’m able to provide food for my family.

My husband is working but I couldn’t depend much on his salary.

He drinks and most of his pay days, he normally gives me only 30% of his salary.

And If I asked him about the rest of his money he would make so many excuses so, that is one of the reasons why I need to work hard and continue with my small market business.

SWN: What gives you the courage despite the hardships you face?

F: I would say from our heavenly Father .Only through him I get all the strength I need to do all the work because through my own strength I wouldn’t make it this far. But through God, I’m able to make it through to another day. I always pray before I do anything in work and I feel blessed for that. Though I always leave my children behind when I go to market, I always thank him for looking after my children by keeping them safe and well.

SWN: What are words of encouragement you would to say to other mothers out there who are struggling or are facing hardships?

F: My word of encouragement is always put God first in what you do. Plan to do small ideas like running a market where you can earn money from. Money don’t come like rain. Finally I encourage husbands to see the importance to assist your wife to help improve your families during these difficult times.


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