Three development partners have stepped forward to make Samoa's Fugalei, Salelologa and Savalalo markets greener and safer for women with SAT$4.1 million funding support.

Australia's High Commissioner to Samoa, Emily Luck announced the funding support from Australia, New Zealand and UN Women on Monday when making a speech to mark the International Day of Rural Women which is celebrated annually on 16 October.

Recalling her visit last year to Siutu, which is located in the Palauli No. 1 constituency in Savai'i, the High Commissioner said she saw first-hand the "incredible efforts" of the country's rural women to "create, grow, care, tend and love the land".

"That was a very special time for me, Minister [Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio'o] so I thank you very much and reflect on that today," said Ms. Luck. "I begin my remarks this morning by recognising the importance of partnerships and collaboration, in creating opportunities and addressing shared challenges.  

"I commend all our partners here today for your commitment to working shoulder to shoulder for a better tomorrow, to benefit the communities we work in and serve. 

"We acknowledge the indispensable role that women and girls play in our societies. They form the backbone of our communities, making invaluable contributions to our nations. This holds true not only for Samoa and Australia but also across the globe."

Ms. Luck said the theme of the International Day of Rural Women celebration this year recognised the vital role that women and girls played in Samoa's food systems, especially those from rural villages.

"In Samoa, there is no better evidence of this than when we look at Samoa’s marketplaces, including Fugalei, Salelologa and Savalalo markets," she added. "There are over 1,500 vendors that frequent these markets in Savaii and Upolu.  Eighty per cent of these vendors are women."

Through the UN Women’s Markets for Change, the High Commissioner said Australia is investing in strengthening the economic opportunities of all market vendors in Samoa. Part of the investment is improving access to services in the marketplace and strengthening market infrastructure, which Ms. Luck says ensures these spaces are safer, greener and more inclusive for both vendors and buyers.

"Together with the government of New Zealand and UN Women, we are pleased to support the handover of equipment and items valued at SAT$4.1 million – some of which you can see – ensuring Fugalei, Salelologa and Savalalo markets are thriving hubs of commerce. 

"For safer and greener markets, these items include chairs, tables, security cameras, PA systems, first aid boxes, bins, cleaning equipment and solar lights. For more inclusive markets, we are also looking at ramps for more diverse access.

"Samoa’s marketplaces aren’t just spaces for commerce. They are also hubs of community, culture and connection.  When we invest in these marketplaces, we are also investing in strengthening the fabric of Samoa’s societies."

In a bid to boost the data collection processes of the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development through UN Women, Ms. Luck also announced the handing over of IT equipment which she said will strengthen and boost their research capabilities while ensuring their work is targetted to where it is most needed.

"This investment aligns with the Samoan Government’s ‘Pathway for the Development of Samoa’ and its broad goal of healthy and thriving people and communities," said the High Commissioner. "I’d like to commend the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development for partnering together with UN Women to support the training and establishment of a Market Vendors Association.  

"This heralds a new chapter for Samoa’s vendors, where their voices are amplified, and their ability to bargain is underpinned by their collective strength.

"I know you are all eager for the workshop ahead, so I’d like to end my remarks this morning by once again commending you all for coming together to support women and girls, as well as building strong and inclusive marketplaces for all."