Suva, Fiji – The UN Women Multi-Country Office (MCO) in Suva was recently transformed into a vibrant showcase of Pacific craftsmanship as it welcomed 19 market vendors from the Munda Market Vendors Association (MVA), Solomon Islands.
The group is in Fiji for a one-week knowledge exchange visit — a self-organised and self-funded initiative by the MVA, made possible with support from Hon. George Temahua, Member of Parliament for West New Georgia, and Hon. Palini Veo, their Provincial Ward Member in Western Province.
This visit builds on the association’s earlier engagement with the UN Women Markets for Change (M4C) programme. MVA President Mary Kera initiated the trip after her participation in a previous M4C learning exchange to Samoa.
That experience highlighted the power of connecting with fellow market vendors across the Pacific and inspired her to lead a similar opportunity for the Munda MVA.
As part of the trip, the vendors are engaging in peer learning sessions with their counterparts from the Suva and Namaka Market Vendors Associations.
They are also showcasing and selling their handmade crafts at both markets — celebrating the cultural artistry and entrepreneurial spirit of Solomon Islands women vendors.
During their visit, the group paid a courtesy call to the UN Women Multi-Country Office in Suva, where they displayed their crafts and met with key UN Women staff, including UN Women Representative Alison Miriam Davidian.
This initiative is part of a broader effort under the Markets for Change (M4C) project, which promotes gender equality and the economic empowerment of women market vendors in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
The second phase of M4C is implemented by UN Women, in partnership with UNDP Solomon Islands, with funding from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
“We are proud to see women market vendors leading their own development. This exchange reflects the strength of women’s leadership at the grassroots level,” said Alison Miriam Davidian, UN Women Representative at the MCO.
The Munda vendors departed for Fiji on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, and returned home with valuable insights, strengthened regional connections, and a renewed commitment to share their experiences and knowledge with peers across the Solomon Islands.
– UN Women Markets for Change Project – Solomon Islands
