[Apia, Samoa – March 8, 2025] – The United Nations, in partnership with the Government of Samoa and key stakeholders, marked International Women’s Day (IWD) at the Fugalei Market on Friday 7th of March, paying tribute to the vital contributions of all women market vendors in driving economic growth, ensuring food security, and strengthening community resilience.
The event, held under the 2025 IWD theme, “Celebrating the Rights, Equality, and Empowerment of ALL Women and Girls,” recognized the achievements and leadership of women market vendors in Samoa. Through the Markets for Change (M4C) Programme, led by UN Women in partnership with UNDP, women have gained enhanced economic opportunities, access to training, and improved working conditions in marketplaces across Samoa.
Levetti F. Taula, a representative of the Savalalo Market Vendors Association, shared her experience, stating, “One specific example of how the project has helped is through the training programs it offers. I participated in an executive leadership training, which taught me how to contribute positively and productively not only to our association but also in running my own business and managing my workers. This knowledge has improved my interactions with business partners and equipped me to be a better leader.”
Another vendor, Papalii Sanitoa Papalii of the Fugalei Market Vendors Association, highlighted the impact of financial literacy training: “Through these programs, I learned how to manage my finances, create a business plan, and market my products effectively. This knowledge has empowered me to expand my business, increase my income, and provide better opportunities for my family.”
The Fugalei Market, home to a large number of women vendors since its establishment in 1994, has benefitted significantly from the M4C Programme, which has helped implement key infrastructure improvements, including disability ramps, renovated booths and bus shelters, installation of security cameras, and the introduction of QR codes for vendor transactions.
The Australian Government has played a pivotal role in supporting women vendors through its contribution of 5.3 million AUD to the M4C Programme, fostering safer, greener, and more accessible marketplaces.
“The program pays special attention to the needs and dreams of women market vendors. It embodies a goal we all share – to create a world where women and girls can thrive and succeed without limitations,” Deputy High Commissioner of Australia Claire McGeechan remarked.
Karen Ah Poe, a representative from the Salelologa Market Vendors Association, called for continued investment in leadership and advocacy training: “Empowering women to take on leadership roles within the market and the community can drive long-term change and ensure that our voices are heard in decision-making processes.”
Samoa’s commitment to gender equality was also recognized, with notable progress in women’s leadership, economic participation, and social development. The historic election of Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa as Samoa’s first female Prime Minister in 2021 was cited as a milestone in advancing women’s representation in governance.
The United Nations and its agencies continue to champion women’s economic empowerment in Samoa through various initiatives:
• FAO promotes women’s access to land and finance for sustainable agriculture.
• ILO advocates for equal pay, social protection, and safe working conditions.
• UNESCO supports digital skills development and lifelong learning.
• UNFPA ensures access to reproductive health services to enable full participation in economic and social opportunities.
• UNEP encourages eco-friendly market solutions and climate-smart business practices.
The UN Resident Coordinator a.i Aliona Niculita, emphasized the importance of women’s economic empowerment: “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusive policies that prioritize women’s rights, amplify their leadership, and create economic opportunities that drive lasting change. Through the Markets for Change Programme, we have witnessed firsthand how empowering women vendors strengthens families, communities, and the entire nation.”
As the celebrations concluded, a strong call to action was made to continue investing in women’s success. “We are only able to effect change and improve rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls when we work together,” Sine Lafaialii Koria, Board Member of the ACC reminded the gathering at the IWD 2025 event.
This year’s event reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Samoa, the UN , and development partners to building a future where every woman and girl can thrive, lead, and succeed.
The event was jointly supported by the FAO, ILO, UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, UNFPA and UN Women.
For media inquiries, please contact:
aterina.samasoni@un.org
