A HIGHFIELD widow has been taking care of her children with proceeds from mending tyres at Gazaland for 20 years.
Merlyn Fernando said she has been fending for her family since the death of her husband
“I inherited this business from my husband and it’s taking care of my four kids. I am worried age is now catching up with me.
“I would like to encourage other women not to go into pr0stitution as a profession, but to work hard using their own hands.
“Here in Gazaland, many young girls end up being lured by men and losing focus and contracting STIs.
“Women should develop, organise and manage enterprises without discrimination or stigma.”
Merlyn, who is 53, added:
“When my husband passed away, l was heart-broken. Although society advised me to sit down and relax, I continued with his trade.
“It was an easy decision because my husband did not have any savings so it was now my responsibility to look after my children and to pay rent.
“Grief, shock and a sense of duty to take care of my family pushed me to do all this.
“I would like to encourage other women not to be nervous, let’s learn to hustle using our own hands.
“It’s my dream to get capital and start importing tyres or to be a brand ambassador or agent for other well-established companies.
“I would like to mentor other women so that we can penetrate this automotive business.”
— HMetro
