Despite widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Pam in March 2015, the women market vendors in Emua Village in Vanuatu have rebuilt their market quickly and even found time to celebrate their achievements at the United Nations (UN) International Day of Rural Women.
Through the Australian aid program, the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development initiative is supporting M4C, which is a six-year program that aims to ensure marketplaces in Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Fiji are safe, inclusive and non-discriminatory, promoting gender equality and women's empowerment.
M4C is working with women leaders, such as Mrs Winne Douglas, the treasurer of the Emua Market Committee.
'The market is very important,' explained Mrs Douglas. 'This is our business. It must grow and we have to look after it for our community. We must respect it and work together with one spirit, and we must help other associations like ours.'
Under Mrs Douglas' guidance, the Emua market operates as a cooperative with around 40 to 50 growers contributing, linked to a saving scheme.
Despite the market house in Emua being completely destroyed by Cyclone Pam, it reopened just eight weeks later. Mrs Douglas said the cash reserve from the savings scheme helped village residents to rebuild their lives.
Six months later, the village was ready to host celebrations for the UN International Day of Rural Women. The event takes place around the world each October to recognise 'the critical role and contributions of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.'
Having watched women villagers' involvement in rebuilding Emua after Cyclone Pam, Mrs Douglas sees great value in affirming the work of rural women and giving them the opportunity to come together to reflect on their achievements: 'Women will realise they are special and have rights and we will celebrate together.'
In Vanuatu M4C supported the event for the second time. It was organised in partnership with the Vanuatu Government, the Shefa Provincial Council and the Silae Vanua and Maroe Tanvasoko Market Vendors Associations. Over 2,000 people attended the celebrations in Emua, which included an opening parade, string bands, dancing, speeches, displays, stories, local food and handicraft stalls. The event promoted the economic empowerment of market vendors with profits from the sale of cooked food reaching VUV $106,000 (approximately $1,300).
'This day will put warmth in the hearts of all women,' Mrs Douglas said.
More information
- 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 25 November – 10 December 2016
- Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development
