Samoa joins the global celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) with this year's theme, “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”. IWD is an annual event that takes place on the 8th of March and is commemorated worldwide. It is crucial, especially in Samoa's unique context, to acknowledge the pivotal role that investing in women plays in advancing gender equality. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to empower women and girls in Samoa, addressing the structural and cultural barriers that have historically limited their opportunities for economic, social, and political advancement. Investing in women in Samoa is not only a matter of equality but also a strategic decision with the potential for significant societal benefits.

Investment can help accelerate progress by bridging the gender gap in employment facilitating access to education and employment opportunities, promoting informal learning to combat poverty, transitioning to a green economy, and enhancing personal safety. One of the main focus areas in the Markets for Change project in Samoa is ensuring that marketplaces are safe, inclusive and non-discriminatory while fostering gender equality and women’s empowerment.  In partnership with the Samoa Land Corporation, the M4C Project have developed plans and strategies to address identified issues at the marketplaces.

Ulugia Petelo Kavesi, CEO of Samoa Land Corporation (SLC), underscored the prevailing challenges and emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts to tackle them, thereby enhancing women’s access to economic opportunities.

“Just like any other public place, we continue to deal with many social problems in the market, such as rubbish littering, vandalism, noncompliance with road signage and codes, youth fights, and unhygienic and unhealthy attitudes, among others,” he said. “The Market 4 Change objectives and purpose for this Project are crucial for SLC. Currently, we have received cleaning supplies such as Hand Sanitizers, Masks, Mops and Brushes, as well as safety boots, safety gear, safety helmets, raincoats, safety vests and safety glasses etc. We had also received and have installed cameras, first aid boxes for all three markets including Salelologa market. 

There are also plans to build accommodations for remote vendors, and more. Once these items are successfully delivered and fully implemented, we believe it would significantly benefit the Salelologa Market, thus improving standards for vendors especially women vendors who travels from afar to town to sell their goods at the marketplace, we believe this is beneficial for the country and the public at large.”

Besides economic empowerment, investing in women in Samoa involves addressing health and safety issues for women vendors in both Salelologa and Fugalei market. “Market vendors are very busy and do not have the time to visit the hospitals for health check-ups but this morning I am very happy to have the opportunity to check my health for free especially the glucose and blood levels, family planning consultations and more importantly the dignity kits we received which will help immensely in maintaining good health and welfare. Some of the market vendors who were at the high-risk level received free healthcare advice and referred to the public hospitals for further support. Thank you to the project for bringing this service to us” (Woman Market Vendor, Salelologa).

Greening the marketplaces in both Upolu and Savaii with recycling and solar powered lights, contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emission and mitigating climate change and energy efficient. At the same time, these lights will provide assurance that there is security for students (75% are women) that are attending National University of Samoa (NUS) night school on the second floor of the Salelologa market. This is a step towards creating more economic opportunities and a sense of security which will allow women to sell their goods and attend class without feeling scared.