UNDP and UN Women Strengthen Collaboration for Market Vendors at the Annual Market Vendors Association Forum

December 1, 2025

Honiara, Solomon Islands – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as a responsible party and implementing partner for the Markets for Change (M4C) Project, participated in the Annual Market Vendors Learning Forum held from 11–13 November 2025.

The forum, implemented by UN Women under the M4C programme, brought together Market Vendors Associations (MVAs) executives from Gizo, Munda, Auki, Bula, and Honiara, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Women, development partners including the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP), and donor DFAT.

Women presenting during the workshop.

UNDP

Over three days, participants engaged in learning, dialogue, and strategic planning aimed at strengthening governance structures and advancing women’s economic empowerment in the Solomon Islands. The forum provided a platform to:

Enhance collaboration between MVAs, government agencies, and development partners
Share best practices in market governance and management
Build leadership capacity among market vendors, particularly women
Align strategies with national priorities for inclusive economic growth

This joint effort strengthens partnership and the commitment of UNDP and UN Women to empowering women vendors, improving market infrastructure, and fostering sustainable, inclusive development across the Solomon Islands.

Girl in floral top writes on a large poster with a marker at a classroom table; others work nearby. — Market vendors during the workshop.

UNDP

A Shared Commitment to Inclusive Markets

UNDP’s engagement in the forum highlighted its continued dedication to empowering market vendors especially women through strengthened governance, improved coordination with UN Women, and a shared commitment to building safe, inclusive, and economically vibrant market spaces across the Solomon Islands. UNDP will continue to contribute to capacity-building efforts by supporting the development of 2026 strategic action plans for MVAs. These activities are designed to help market vendors strengthen their leadership skills, improve organisational structures, and plan effectively for the future.

Two presenters in a bright room; one speaks, the other raises a hand, with projector and banner behind. — Market vendors during the workshop.

UNDP

M4C is a regional initiative aimed at improving the economic security and working conditions of women market vendors in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. M4C focuses on strengthening market infrastructure, vendor capacity and gender equality to create more sustainable and inclusive marketplaces.

The M4C project is implemented by UN Women in partnership with UNDP and with support from the Government of Australia.

For more information, please contact:

Jilgina Kimisi, Markets for Change Project Associate, Solomon Islands on email – jilgina.kimisi@undp.org or

Vilisi Veibataki, Markets for Change Project Manager, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | vilisi.veibataki@undp.org | +679 3227701