LocationsEmpowering Lives: Makitalena’s Journey from Market Vendor to Entrepreneur
February 15, 2024
Graduates following the virtual mentoring program in Fiji.
Makitalena Lewaliwa is a 45-year-old widow from the village of Nasautoka in Wainibuka. Her life took an unexpected turn during the pandemic, leading her to discover new opportunities and transform her future.
Makitalena is a beneficiary of the Markets for Change (M4C) project, which aims to promote gender equality by economically empowering women market vendors in Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Samoa. This project, which brings together various stakeholders, offers financial literacy training that connects vendors and farmers with essential service providers. This sharing of information, raising awareness, and networking opportunities have the potential to improve the livelihoods of market vendors and their families.
From Tonga to Fiji: A Journey of Resilience
Before returning to Fiji, Makitalena spent five years working in Tonga. Her dream was to cross over to Australia in search of greener pastures. However, fate had other plans. The pandemic disrupted her travel plans, leaving her stranded.
Undeterred, she decided to explore local avenues for income to help support her family.
A New Beginning at the Market
Makitalena joined the bustling market scene in Votualevu, Nadi, where she sells an array of fresh produce—root crops, vegetables, and fruits. What started as a modest venture selling pineapples soon blossomed into a thriving business. Unlike her previous job, where she received a fortnightly pay check, Makitalena now earns money every day from Namaka Market.
The Impact of Money Minded Training
Recently, Makitalena had the opportunity to attend Money Minded training, a transformative experience for her. Money Minded is a flexible adult financial education program that builds knowledge, confidence and skills to help people make informed decisions and manage their money. It is ANZ’s flagship program to improve financial wellbeing in the community, supporting ANZ’s purpose to shape a world where people and communities thrive.
It was Makitalena’s first exposure to such a program. During the training, she gained valuable insights into assertiveness, budgeting, money management, and the power of visualization through her vision board. It’s truly inspiring to hear about her dedication and involvement in the M4C project as she sees it as an opportunity as trainings are made available within the market space and she does not need to travel a far to attend trainings.
Makitalena is a beneficiary of the Markets for Change (M4C) project, which aims to promote gender equality by economically empowering women market vendors in Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Samoa.
Setting Goals and Empowering Her Family
Makitalena’s market business not only sustains their daily necessities but also contributes to her grandson’s education. She stated that participating in the M4C initiative has enabled her to actively engage with other market vendors. This was also made possible through the six-month virtual mentoring program that further added to her personal growth and development.
Armed with newfound knowledge, Makitalena is determined to create a better future for herself and her loved ones. She plans to sit down with her family and discuss her vision. Together, they will identify areas where they can cut down expenses, ensuring financial stability.
Dreams Beyond the Market Stall
Makitalena’s aspirations extend beyond the market stall. She dreams of owning her own boutique shop, where she can showcase her passion for design. However, securing the necessary capital remains a challenge. Through the Money Minded training sessions she was able to learn new tools to help her grow her business and make her dream a reality. Vision board setting was one of the new tools that have guided her, and she is committed to overcoming obstacles and turning her dream into reality.
A Call for More Opportunities
As Makitalena continues her entrepreneurial journey, she hopes that similar training programs will be introduced to the market. These initiatives empower individuals like her, providing the tools needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
The M4C project is implemented by UN Women in partnership with UNDP and with support from the governments of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
For more information, please contact:
Vilisi Veibataki, Markets for Change Project Manager, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | vilisi.veibataki@undp.org | +679 3227701
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