The Ministry of Women Community and Social Development celebrated the International Day of Rural Women on Friday with the launching of the Markets for Change Project at the EFKS Tupulaga o Talavou at Mulinuu.

In acknowledging the invaluable contribution of rural women to the development of Samoa, the event was attended by women of different age groups from the rural community, who have over the years been involved in various development programs and initiatives at the grass root level. The Ministry distributed a copy of its statement on the event at the EFKS Hall.

This is the first time the Ministry celebrated the International Day of Rural Women and the celebration on Friday marked the beginning of the Ministry's commitment to honoring this day for women in the upcoming years. 

The theme for the day was "rural women cultivating good food for all" which looks at highlighting the essential role that women and girls play in the food systems of the world.

This further addresses alarming issues raised on gender-based violence, discriminatory social norms and structural barriers and other challenges, such as the lack of equal access to productive resources and assets, public services such as education and health care, infrastructure, as well as water and sanitation that continues to limit the participation and decision-making of women and girls in rural areas.

As part of this commemorative event, it aims to help recognise the work and efforts of these heroines through raising awareness, empowering rural women and girls to fight against challenges and barriers hindering their involvement, participation and access to such services and resources.

This event also highlighted the continued efforts of the Ministry over the years reflected through remarkable achievements to the development of existing policies, activities and implementation plans mainstreaming gender equality and the rights of women and girls and the other vulnerable populations including children, persons with disabilities and youth to community.

The Minister of Women Community and Social Development, Afioga Leota Laki Lamositele said it is important to celebrate the rural women, who play a vital role in agriculture whether its growing and harvesting crops or raising livestock, they are breaking gender norms and stereotypes.

"The launch of this program which rural women committees and communities are invited to, continues to advocate the need for gender equality and the empowering of women within the rural areas and ensuring their contribution to the development of Samoa is validated, highlighted and recognised," he said. 

According to data provided by UN Women, rural women play a key role in supporting their households and communities in achieving food and nutrition security, generating income and improving rural livelihoods and overall well-being. In fact, rural women significantly contribute to agricultural and rural developments, which in turn drives local and global economies making them players in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

As part of IDRW celebrations, the Markets for Change Project in Samoa were officially launched on Friday. The project brings together governments, market vendors, market vendor associations, civil society organizations and UN agencies. The Market for Change is a six year transformative gender equality and women's economic empowerment project which focuses on supporting and developing safe, inclusive and non-discriminatory marketplaces in rural and urban areas of Samoa.

The Ministry also acknowledged the support of its donor partners UN Women, DFAT Australia, UNDP and the Governments of New Zealand and Canada in making the event possible.