Outcome FIJ_D_2.1

By 2027, more people, especially those at risk of being left behind, contribute to and benefit from sustainable, resilient, diversified, inclusive and human-centred socio-economic systems with decent work and equal livelihoods opportunities, reducing inequalities and ensuring shared prosperity [PCF Strategic Priority 3: Prosperity]

In 2025, Fiji’s municipal market systems operated with stronger women’s leadership, clearer accountability mechanisms, and more structured economic participation by women vendors. Women not only sustained their livelihoods within these markets but exercised greater influence over how markets are governed and how services are delivered. These shifts matter because municipal markets are a primary source of income for women in Fiji’s informal economy, where informal employment remains structurally significant. Women vendors strengthened financial discipline and longer-term income planning. Sixty vendors, 59 of them women, completed the Bula Saver Plus programme with an 81 per cent completion rate, committing to save FJD 500 over a 10-month period. A further 25 women commenced a new cohort in December 2025, demonstrating sustained demand for structured savings mechanisms adapted to irregular informal incomes. These commitments reflect measurable behavioural change, moving beyond financial awareness toward consistent saving practices and improved control over income management. Women vendors also strengthened collective economic pathways and access to formal finance. Three hundred and sixty vendors, including 300 women across seven municipal markets, improved their understanding of grant applications, cooperative registration, and regulated financial services. Follow-up engagements confirmed that several vendor groups initiated cooperative registration processes and began preparing funding applications, while others engaged directly with the Fiji Development Bank and Merchant Finance. This progression signals movement from informal trading toward structured engagement with formal financial systems. At the governance level, women exercised stronger democratic participation and representation. Over 1,600 vendors, 79 per cent of them women, exercised voting rights through Annual General Meetings across eight Market Vendor Associations (MVAs). Women now hold 101 of 141 Executive Committee positions across Fiji’s 12 MVAs, representing 72 per cent of committee membership, and seven MVAs are led by women presidents. This level of representation embeds women’s leadership within market governance and strengthens accountability to vendor priorities. Women’s collective voice translated into concrete institutional change. Through structured engagement within the Markets for Change Project Working Committee and related municipal platforms, MVAs influenced three government-led governance processes in 2025. Notably, vendor advocacy in Levuka contributed to a reduction in daily market table fees to $USD1, directly lowering operating costs for vendors. In parallel, a formal Memorandum of Understanding on market safety and security was signed between the Fiji Police Force, eleven municipal councils, and twelve MVAs, institutionalising vendor participation in safety oversight and response mechanisms. Regulatory reform advanced at national scale. All 13 municipal councils participated in the structured revision of the Fiji Market By-Laws, supported by legal audit, benchmarking, and iterative drafting. While formal adoption remained pending at year end, the reform reached an advanced pre-adoption stage and introduced clearer provisions on vendor participation, equitable stall allocation, safety, and accountability. Senior municipal leadership engagement strengthened readiness for implementation and alignment across councils. Institutional coordination at market level became more predictable and embedded. Twelve MVAs and eleven municipal councils strengthened structured engagement with line ministries and service providers, integrating health, safety, and wellbeing priorities into formal workplans. Through these multi-sectoral platforms, 702 women market vendors accessed information, goods, resources, or services in 2025 within their market environments. Embedding services within markets reduced barriers related to time poverty, mobility constraints, and income loss. Digital engagement and data use further strengthened accountability. Three hundred vendors, including 210 women across 12 municipal markets, participated in mobile-based monitoring exercises that improved digital confidence and generated sex-disaggregated data on business practices and service access. MVAs used this evidence to inform planning and advocacy discussions with municipal authorities, reinforcing data-informed governance within informal market systems. Taken together, these developments indicate consolidation of more inclusive local economic governance. Women vendors strengthened financial decision-making and collective leadership, while municipal authorities formalised participation mechanisms, safety arrangements, and regulatory reforms. These outcome-level shifts support more stable livelihoods and fairer working conditions, contributing directly to Sustainable Development Goal 5 on women’s participation and leadership and Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth. These changes were led by women vendors, their representative associations, municipal councils, and national institutions. UN Women provided technical and financial support through the Markets for Change programme, funded by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

By 2027, more people, especially those at risk of being left behind, contribute to and benefit from sustainable, resilient, diversified, inclusive and human-centred socio-economic systems with decent work and equal livelihoods opportunities, reducing inequalities and ensuring shared prosperity [PCF Strategic Priority 3: Prosperity]

Overview In 2024 Markets for Change (M4C) interventions in Fiji reached 1709 individuals across urban and rural communities, driving sustainable, resilient and inclusive economic transformation. M4C continues to strengthen market governance, financial inclusion and business capacity, ensuring that traditionally marginalized vendors—particularly women—can transition from informal to formal economic participation while enhancing their economic security and leadership. As part of this transformation Market Vendor Associations (MVAs) have evolved into structured representative bodies with 80% women in leadership, reshaping power dynamics and decision-making processes in markets. Today MVAs are advancing vendor rights, collective bargaining power and gender-responsive market governance, positioning women vendors as key actors in economic and policy spaces. Their influence has extended beyond markets, leading to stronger engagement with municipal councils and government agencies on vendor-focused policies. Also, environmental sustainability is now integrated into economic empowerment strategies, reinforcing disaster resilience, accessibility and sustainable infrastructure in markets. Investments in climate-adaptive facilities, food safety compliance and inclusive service delivery have established multi-layered safety nets for informal workers, ensuring that markets function as secure, structured and resilient economic hubs. These improvements are critical in reducing vulnerabilities caused by climate variability and strengthening long-term economic stability for vendors. Institutional reforms further reinforced these changes by embedding environmental sustainability into human-centered socio-economic development strategies. Investments in climate-adaptive infrastructure, waste management, and energy-efficient operations have strengthened disaster resilience, improved accessibility, and enhanced social protection for informal workers. These shifts demonstrate how targeted rights-based actions can advance economic empowerment, institutional reform and environmental sustainability—ensuring no one is left behind in the journey toward shared prosperity. Strengthening Market Governance Informal markets are becoming structured, resilient, and recognized economic hubs as gender-responsive market management policies take root across 10 Municipal Councils. These councils have transitioned from ad-hoc interventions to institutionalized commitments, protecting vendors’ rights, promoting sustainability, and ensuring long-term viability. Key structural reforms have strengthened disaster resilience, waste management, and essential services, addressing critical barriers to women's full economic participation. Disaster risk reduction protocols at Vunisea and Levuka markets ensure continued functionality and safety in the face of environmental challenges. To reinforce these efforts, market management plans have been aligned with national legislative frameworks, including the Environmental Management Act, leading to the establishment of permanent waste management systems and disaster preparedness strategies. Strengthened Market Infrastructure Informal markets continue to evolve into safer, inclusive and climate-resilient spaces, enabling vendors—particularly women and those in remote communities—to operate in secure and sustainable economic hubs. In 2024 strategic investments institutionalized disaster resilience, accessibility & long-term sustainability within market infrastructure, elevating informal markets from temporary trading spaces to structured economic hubs that safeguard livelihoods and expand economic participation. The Vunisea Market refurbishment strengthened climate resilience and operational continuity for 582 vendors. Stronger roofing systems ensure functionality during adverse weather, while specialized freezer rooms prevent perishable losses and protect livelihoods. These upgrades reinforce the market’s role as a vital economic lifeline for rural communities. Levuka Market’s redevelopment has expanded vendor capacity from 30 to 132, integrating cyclone-resistant construction, solar power and waste management systems. Accessibility features—including washrooms, a lift and a women’s accommodation centre—enhance safe and equitable market participation, removing geographical barriers for rural women. Rural market support initiatives have improved working conditions for 300 vendors across 13 markets with weather-protection tents and waste management solutions ensuring cleaner and safer marketplaces. Financial Inclusion & Business Capacity The informal market environment in Fiji is undergoing a continuous change toward greater formalization, sustainability and long-term viability, fostering a more inclusive economic landscape where women can confidently participate. A key driver is the growing financial capability of vendors which strengthens the resilience of the market ecosystem and reduces vulnerability to financial shocks. In 2024 190 women from 4 markets applied financial literacy skills with 75 successfully transitioning to formal banking through a structured savings program, enhancing economic security, business expansion and long-term growth. As this transformation progresses, vendors are increasingly adopting structured financial management and sustainable business practices. Among them, 90 women vendors have improved transparency, long-term financial planning and access to formal financial services by using digital tracking tools and organised financial records. Their shift toward environmentally sustainable practices including waste reduction and energy efficiency is also contributing to a greener economy. Agricultural Innovation Stronger livelihoods, increased productivity and greater economic resilience are emerging as vendor farmers adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, value-addition techniques and sustainable business models. These shifts stabilize incomes, reduce financial risks and enhance their ability to produce higher-value goods and access better markets. In 2024, 378 rural vendor farmers implemented climate-smart techniques, strengthening their resilience to environmental and economic challenges. To improve crop reliability some replaced traditional taro with drought-resistant varieties, ensuring stable yields despite climate variability. Others focused on value-added processing, converting raw coconuts into bottled virgin coconut oil which commands higher returns and diversifies income streams. Another 241 farmers transitioned to organic and climate-adaptive methods such as replacing chemical fertilizers with integrated pest management. To further strengthen economic resilience 137 vendor farmers now operate in organized producer groups, pooling resources to purchase supplies, share transport costs and negotiate better prices. Food Safety Compliance Fiji’s market ecosystem is becoming more professionalized as food safety compliance emerges as a recognized pathway for vendor participation in the formal economy. Regulatory adherence to the Food Safety Act has expanded economic opportunities for vendors particularly women by removing barriers to selling prepared food in public spaces. In 2024 the certification of 51 market vendors (50 women) created a sustainable pathway for vendor-led compliance with safety standards ensuring legal recognition of their businesses. At an institutional level MVAs have become key in advocating for systemic changes in food safety governance ensuring that training, certification and compliance processes remain accessible and gender-responsive. Their leadership has influenced municipal authorities to integrate this training into market operations, fostering long-term institutional support. Strategic Partnerships These achievements resulted from partnerships between UN Women, UNDP, ANZ Bank, government ministries, municipal councils and the governments of New Zealand and Canada.

By 2027, more people, especially those at risk of being left behind, contribute to and benefit from sustainable, resilient, diversified, inclusive and human-centred socio-economic systems with decent work and equal livelihoods opportunities, reducing inequalities and ensuring shared prosperity [PCF Strategic Priority 3: Prosperity]

This outcome is on track. In 2023, efforts to enhance sustainability and resilience in marketplaces in Fiji became paramount, especially amidst diverse risks and challenges. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government (MOLG) and thirteen Municipal Councils, initiatives within market operations and management showcase a dedicated drive towards compliance, diversification, and inclusivity. This concerted effort has cultivated more equitable marketplaces, offering enhanced economic opportunities for women. In addition, collaborative partnerships led by Market Vendors Associations (MVAs) underscore a steadfast commitment to advancing decent work and equal livelihood opportunities across the market and agricultural sectors, while nurturing social cohesion within vendor communities. Rooted in a human-centered approach, these endeavors champion fairness, inclusivity, and empowerment for all stakeholders, laying a sturdy groundwork for the resilience and sustainability of marketplaces in Fiji. The collaboration between the Ministry of Local Government (MOLG) and UN Women is shaping the policy environment of marketplaces in Fiji to be more gender inclusive. The review of market bylaws, with a gender and inclusivity lens, is leading to the creation of gender-responsive and disability-friendly marketplaces in Fiji. By prioritizing health, safety, and universal access standards, this approach considers the diverse needs of market vendors and the marketing public. Gender-responsive actions implemented in market administration and operations ensure that the rights and needs of all individuals, including those with disabilities, are considered and respected. The incorporation of features such as ramps, additional restrooms for women, and changing rooms for mothers and babies promotes inclusivity and equal participation. The upkeep of Women’s Accommodation Centres for rural women vendors continues to enable them to remain fully engaged in market activities, contributing to the economic development of rural communities, thus promoting broader socio-economic inclusion. Municipal Councils have also emphasized compliance with national building codes across markets in 2023, ensuring sustainable infrastructure capable of withstanding adverse conditions and ensuring the continuity of economic activities. There has also been enforcement of public health and environmental regulations, which exemplify a human-centered approach by prioritizing the well-being and safety of both vendors and customers and enhancing the resilience of markets against potential health crises and environmental hazards. MVAs have seen notable growth in their collective influence in 2023, progressively honing their leadership capabilities. They championed transparency, and accountability, and advocated for regulatory reforms while prioritizing the economic prosperity, well-being, and rights of vendors. Tailored initiatives, such as cervical cancer screenings and specialized training programs, address specific needs and empower women and marginalized groups. By providing access to essential healthcare services and skill-building opportunities, MVAs empower women to take control of their health and economic well-being, thereby enhancing their income security and economic autonomy. MVAs also lead on collaborative events which celebrate diversity, fostering social bonds and cohesion among vendors, thus contributing to more harmonious and vibrant marketplaces. Furthermore, market vendors are demonstrating the tangible benefits of capacity building, particularly in financial management and disaster preparedness, enabling them to take control over the decisions and actions that influence the outcomes of their businesses. Moreover, the promotion of cooperative models, diversification, and value chains amongst the vendor community is fostering collaboration and sustainability within the agricultural and market sectors, ultimately contributing to the economic empowerment and long-term success of women in these fields. Approximately 1,805 women market vendors across 13 markets in Fiji were reached to access information, education, key resources (finances, technological tools), services (including social assistance and insurance), and protective goods to advance their economic potential and adaptiveness in crisis. These initiatives ensure equal access to resources and opportunities, contributing to the diversification of income streams and market offerings. In summary, these initiatives have created an enabling environment for decent work and equal livelihood opportunities, fostering sustainable change within the market and agricultural sectors. Finally, the visit of four high-level international delegations from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand to Fiji markets in 2023 provided a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between informal small-market entrepreneurs and global stakeholders. These delegations, comprising government officials, policymakers, and international organizations, witnessed firsthand the entrepreneurship, innovation, and resilience displayed by vendors in their daily operations. These visits have elevated visibility and created opportunities for insights, expertise, and resources to support the development of these entrepreneurs, empowering them to seize opportunities for growth and support Municipal Councils in garnering national and international support for initiatives aimed at enhancing market infrastructure, promoting market access for marginalized groups, and improving market governance.