Santo, Vanuatu – This week, the Markets for Change (M4C) project partnered with Luganville Municipal Council and the Northern Silae Market Vendors Association to deliver a two-day Rural Market Day Financial Fair.

The session was attended by 250 women and 30 men who are selling fruits and vegetables at the Luganville Municipal Market.  

The Rural Market Day Financial Fair Event, a first-of-its-kind, was staged with thanks to M4C. The Fair provided an opportunity to recognize the 280 market vendors, all of whom play a crucial role in sustaining Vanuatu’s rural economy. 

The event was also a day set aside for the market vendors to come together, not only to celebrate their hard work and the unique products they bring to Luganville Market, but also to be empowered with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive in the ever-changing world of finance and commerce. In these challenging times, it is their collective responsibility to ensure that their businesses continue to flourish and prosper.

The Rural Market Day Financial Fair was also a testament to the M4C project commitment toward market vendors success. The program included a range of expert speakers and financial services to better manage their finances, understand the latest market trends, and explore innovative ways to enhance their businesses.

The M4C Project also recognizes the importance of preserving and strengthening rural communities, stressing that markets are not just places to buy and sell; they are hubs of culture and community.

Elvina Andicar, Vice Treasurer for the Northern Silae Market Vendors Association, said, “It’s interesting to be part of this event, as the information given to the vendors by the organization present is useful. It will give us new ideas on how to look after or create a new business.”

During the event, market vendors were encouraged to engage with experts, ask questions, and network with fellow vendors. The knowledge gained could transform their businesses and help them adapt to a changing world.

We are sincerely grateful to our partners, including the Municipal Councils, Luganville Market, and the dedicated team who worked tirelessly to make this two-day event possible. Their support demonstrates our shared vision for prosperous rural markets. We also thank the Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand Governments for their generous support of the M4C Project, which made this event possible.

Leo Oltoimat of Sanma has been a market vendor for more than 10 years and said: 

“The event gives me a better understanding on what services is available especially the agriculture services in relation to savings with National Bank.”

The Markets for Change (M4C) project promotes gender equality through the economic empowerment of women market vendors in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. It brings together governments, market vendors and market vendor associations, civil society organizations and UN agencies.

M4C is implemented by UN Women in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by 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