The UN says its Markets for Change project has brought improvements to women market vendors in Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Vanuatu Kastom performer at International Day for Rural Women, October 2015 - Emua Village. Photo: Courtesy of UN Women - Nicky Kuautonga
The initiative aims to ensure that marketplaces are safe, inclusive and non-discriminatory, and it promotes gender equality and the empowerment of women.
UN Women's Deputy Representative, Nicolas Burniat, says there are 17 market vendor associations representing over 7000 members across the three countries.
He says the initiative has brought women vendors increased profits, safety measures and extra toilet facilities.
"So it's really looking at a cross-sectoral response in increasing women's governance and voice, increasing the economic ability and economic return for them and their family, increasing the gender sensitivity of the local government and increasing their safety and their dignity at work."
