Toilet cleaners spruce up image
Print Edition
Nine women who clean public toilets were given a makeover by professional hair stylists and makeup artists for a photo shoot in the Xinzhuang Industrial Park to celebrate the World Toilet Day last month.
The event was designed to show the public that behind every janitorial uniform is a woman who devotes her time and efforts to tidy toilets but may have little time left over to tend to her own looks. Though lowly paid and often not highly esteemed, this menial workforce makes the Minhang District a better place to live.
The women chosen for the shoot were a bit uneasy when asked to remove their uniforms and slip into qipao, the traditional Chinese dress. Facing cameras was also daunting. But they quickly slipped into the mood of the moment, making it a jovial affair.
“I never thought I would be a model someday,” joked Zhao Minghua, 57. “It makes me feel that my job is important and I am important.”
Some of the women said they felt they looked even prettier than on their wedding days.
“I’ve happy with my work,” said Xu Meihong, 43. “I get three meal breaks a day, and the new modern restroom facilities make my job easier.”
An all-women affair? Not quite. Guo Zhihua was the lone male cleaner to participate in the shoot. He shed his coveralls and donned a nice suit.
“I’ve been turned into a silver fox,” he said. “I didn’t know about this side of me.”
He, too, said he enjoys his job, despite patrons who are sometimes rude and throw cigarette butts and toilet paper on the floor.
“I take pride in using my hands to clean up the environment,” he added. “I’m grateful that people appreciate our work and spare us a thought.”
Hong Yan, manager of Janitorial Service Co that services the industrial park, arranged the shoot to celebrate the 4th annual World Toilet Day last month.
“Each of these people has a unique beauty and pursues life’s dreams just like everyone else,” Hong said. “I want the public to understand their devotion and professionalism.”
All photos will be framed and given to the janitors as New Year gifts.
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