(Baonghean.vn) - When talking about shoe repairmen, people often think of men diligently tapping and sewing in the corner of the market. However, in Vinh city, there are women who 'take' this job from men. Some women have been making a living in this profession for decades, and they are even more prestigious than their male 'colleagues'. They jokingly say that their job is: 'upgrading' the feet.
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| They are all women over 50 years old. For decades, they have gone to their “shop” at 6am to repair shoes. Here they work through lunch, bring lunch to eat on the spot, and return home when the city lights come on. |
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| In the photo is Mrs. Nguyen Thi Phu, 54 years old, living in Le Mao ward. She is the most experienced among the women who work in shoe repair at Vinh market. Mrs. Phu started her career when she was 24 years old and has been doing it ever since. |
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| Although not 'publicly listed', the wages are calculated 'equally' by everyone: Polishing 10,000 VND, sole making 15,000 VND, shoe sewing 10,000 - 20,000 VND. |
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| Mrs. Pham Thi Thai, 55 years old, is the most disadvantaged of the shoe repair women in the Vinh market area. Her husband is sick, so she has been earning money to support her family by this job since 1990. |
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| Ms. Pham Thi Lan, Ms. Thai's younger sister, also has more than 20 years of experience in shoe repair at Vinh market. |
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| Ms. Lan is also considered one of the people with “golden hands” in this profession. Her customers are mainly long-time acquaintances. |
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| Among the women who repair shoes and sandals in Vinh market, Ms. Ngo Thi Chung is the youngest at 30 years old. Ms. Chung is also 'awarded' the title 'beauty queen' of shoe repair. She has been doing this job for 8 years now. |
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| In addition to working tools such as needles, thread, glue, hammers, polish... these old shoes and sandals also become 'raw materials' for the profession. |
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Their customers are usually people with average income or students. |
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| Regardless of the day, rain or shine, the shoe repair women are always present at the market. The shoes and sandals that seem to be damaged, but through the skillful hands of the women, become shiny and beautiful. When life still needs them, they still stick with the job they have chosen to make a living. |
Thien Thien
