Women in Business Development Incorporated (WIBDI) have officially kicked off their virtual market program this year and have put behind the difficulties they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Vaalasi Filipo, who hails from the village of Solosolo, is one of the women who has been a part of the WIBDI program since its launching in 2020 and provides for her family through the sale of her produce through the Maua App. 

Having already clocked two years on the virtual market, she now works with the WIBDI to provide consistent service to customers who order her produce of local Samoan food.

Working together with her husband, daughter and grandchildren, they prepare their food the traditional Samoan way with organic natural ingredients which aligns with the WIBDI promotion of "organic, natural and healthy produce". 

"Its a way for me to earn some money for my family, I earn just enough to pay for my children's schools fees and also for my small business as a school canteen," she said, while expressing her appreciation for the program.

Norma Tauiliili, an officer who helps to run the program, told the Samoa Observer that the Maua App will help create a platform for such families to sell their local produce online. 

"Vaalasi has received high reviews for her food and consistent supply for her customers who order through the Maua App," said Ms Tauiliili.

Ms Tauiliili added that Mrs Filipo is one of the top three suppliers on the Maua App and she is held in high regard for the healthy meals she provides.

WIBDI is dedicated to strengthening villages economies in Samoa by honouring indigenous traditions using both traditional and modern technology. It has worked with 183 villages and pays close attention to nurturing organic farming and sees this as an opportunity for many rural families to earn a livelihood.

Their belief is that development must take into account tradition, culture and Samoan values. This is achieved through the networking they provide with communities, other organisations in Samoa, the Pacific and internationally by helping to develop a source of income to increase self-reliance amongst rural households who do not have a stable income.