In commemoration of Mothers’ Day this year, the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development hosted its first ever Market Exhibition in front of the government building yesterday morning.

The Market Exhibition was a lead up to this year’s annual ‘Ie Samoa and Siapo’ exhibition (Fa’alelegapepe mo ‘Ie Samoa ma le Siapo) that will be held in front of the government this morning.

However, the main aim of the Market Exhibition yesterday was to showcase small business ventures operated by individuals or families, susceptible to economic barriers which in turn, infringe upon their social wellbeing. 

“Today’s programme, despite the rain, is actually trying to provide a market space for our  women youth  and also people with disabilities,” said the Assistant C.E.O. of the Economic Empowerment Division of the Ministry of Women and Social Development, Nanai Sovala Agaiava.

“Very rarely do they have the opportunity to find markets because they are usually out in the rural areas, so today we are providing market space (for them), and we are expecting everyone to come in.

 “As you can see, they are selling different products, mostly art and crafts, their weaving hats, tapa and a number of elei...not only that but we are providing the opportunity to our service providers.”

The Ministry seeks to alleviate the impacts of poverty and unemployment, it maintains focus on strengthening those most vulnerable to such impacts i.e.: ‘our families and communities but more specifically; women, young people and persons with disabilities’  

“Our service providers also share their services and raise awareness on what they are doing, as you can see we have the National Health Services here, the Ministry of Agriculture, S.B.E.C. and a number of other stakeholders and partners.

For today’s programme, the annual event of ‘Ie Samoa and Siapo exhibition (Fa’alelegapepe mo ‘Ie Samoa ma le Siapo) is to promote women’s crucial role as producers of such important arts and crafts of Samoa and to commemorate Mothers’ Day.

“There’s a huge increase from the previous years, the increase is not actually in the numbers of women but the number of ‘ie, that is,  # 1 and 2, which is quite good for us.” Nanai said.

The event will also celebrate women’s nafa tausi (traditional role) as cultural revivers and capable income earners to support the well-being of families and communities around Upolu and Savaii. 

 The general public is invited to attend today, come and join us.”

The fuataga will be held in front of the government building this morning.