Notes from a development practitioner in Solomon Islands

Markets for Change: a project to transform the lives of women, their families and their communities through entrepreneurship

May 2, 2024

Honiara, Solomon Islands – UN Women today held its Project Working Committee Meeting for the Market for Change Project in Honiara. Across the next two days, the project is undertaking a review of activities implemented, and outlining the way forward for the project.

To introduce myself my name is Jilgina Kimisi, and I am so proud to work as project associate for this project for the women of my country because in just this short time, I have been able to see the change that the project is bringing about to the women and the development of my country.

During the first session of the meeting, I had the opportunity to do a little presentation about the component implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Solomon Islands. It´s the first time I participated in this important governance meeting since I started to work for the project just two months ago.

As the Project Associate in Solomon Islands, I spearhead Outcome Two, a component implemented by UNDP which focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs with financial literacy. With the activities implemented under this component, every day is a new opportunity to witness the positive transformation the initiative brings to the women at the markets around the country.

In the past couple of months, our project has been buzzing with activity, and I was excited to share some highlights at the Project Working Committee Meeting.

This year has kicked off with hosting Financial Literacy Training sessions in Auki, Gizo, and Munda. Led by an expert team from ANZ Bank, these sessions weren't your run-of-the-mill finance discussions. We delved deep into topics like planning for the future, assertiveness training, and even tackled the crucial issue of online scams, which is something still unheard of in Solomon Islands. The turnout was great, with 106 eager market vendors (shoutout to the 91 courageous women) soaking in every bit of knowledge.

In just the short span of two months, I've been awestruck by these impactful activities. And not only by UNDP but also by UN Women, since the project is implemented in partnership by both UN agencies. These activities vary from financial literacy sessions to value-added training, and every step we take is a stride towards empowering women like Ms. Lily White Gerhard, a dynamic entrepreneur from Gizo, Western Province who I met when I first joined the project.

Recently I had the chance to travel out of Honiara to really understand what the project is about.

Let me paint you a picture of the vibrant marketplace landscape in the Solomon Islands. Imagine bustling markets like Auki Municipal Market, where women vendors, comprising over 80 percent of the workforce, trade tirelessly to support their families. These marketplaces aren't just economic hubs; they're pillars of resilience and community vibrancy.

But behind the scenes lies a tapestry of challenges – limited formal employment opportunities, social norms, and unequal gender roles. Yet, amidst these obstacles, women vendors exhibit unparalleled determination and resilience.

That's where the Market for Change project steps in, bridging the gap between challenges and opportunities. Through capacity-building trainings, access to finance, and advocacy for gender-responsive policies, we're fostering economic empowerment and breaking down barriers to success.

Take Ms. Gerhard, for example. A newcomer to the market scene, she's already making waves with her delectable doughnuts and refreshing Milo cups. With our upcoming training sessions, she's poised to expand her business acumen and carve a path towards financial independence.

But the project’s impact extends beyond individual success stories. By aligning with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we're contributing to multiple SDGs, from promoting “Decent Work and Economic Growth” (SDG 8), to “Reducing Inequalities” (SDG 10); and contributing to “Sustainable Cities and Communities” (SDG 11).

The Markets for Change project isn't just about transactions; it's about transformation. It's about empowering women entrepreneurs to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities. And as I reflect on our journey so far, I'm filled with hope and determination to continue championing change, one market vendor at a time.

I am proud to empower, uplift, and inspire with this initiative – because through it, we're not just changing markets; we're changing lives.

About Markets for Change:

Markets for Change is a UN Women Project led in partnership with UNDP, with support from the governments of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand the Markets for Change project offers financial literacy training, networking opportunities, and access to essential services, aiming to improve the livelihood of market vendors and their families.

For more information or media enquiries, please contact:

Jilgina Kimisi, Project Associate of M4C in Solomon Islands | jilgina.kimisi@undp.org