Two women believe that the Women in Business market day has provided them opportunities to earn a living for their families.

Seelavaepae, 45, from Manono-Tai said the market day had immensely helped her family in terms of earning money.

“We can sell what we have grown and made. We earn enough to cater for my family's needs, church and other expenses. In my family, my husband and I are the breadwinners. He fishes and sells what we grow like taro, cooked chicken, supoesi and whatever is available to sell,” she said.

“We have come from Manono-tai by boat to be there to earn what we can.”

Leumalealofa Leota, 28, said the program benefitted her family as she and her husband had no other sources of income.

“We are left with the duties of looking after our family at home. This has been the only source of money that we have to provide for them and our three young children, with the youngest being 11 months,” she said.

“I have been in this program since 2019 and haven’t used my savings earned from this project. It’s been really helpful as we are also able to put money aside for emergencies and future use.

“We are also able to rest as we don’t have to worry about getting money day to day. It has been beneficial as I am not spending any money to buy ingredients to make these products, but these are naturally grown and found around my home.”

The market day was held on Friday at the Fugalei Market.

The event hosted and sold organic produce from farmers from Upolu and Manono. It is a monthly event.

“The program is a great opportunity for women to bring in their products available from the environment and ready to sell,” said project manager Norma Tauilili.

“People can support their families financially and save up for the future. The main idea of the market is to lessen the dependence on remittances to learn and change the mindset of local organic farmers.”

There were more than 30 farmers at the event, and some of these farmers were able to sell all of their products before the event even finished.