Outcome SLB_D_2.4

Markets physical infrastructure and operating systems are improved to make them more sustainable, resilient to disaster risks and climate change, safer and more accessible

During the reporting year this outcome is achieved. Market physical Infrastructure & operating systems are greatly improved which make them more sustainable and resilient to Disaster Risks. This is evident in the completion of the new Munda Market Development Project, Auki Fencing and Pavement Project and Honiara Market Fencing & Tiling Project. There is improved safety at the market for women vendors as Market Management is able to implement effective operating procedures and systems. Furthermore the finalization of the Market Disaster Preparedness Plans and roll out of related training's has contributed to improved market systems. The markets are safer and easily accessible for women market vendors across 3 markets in Solomon Islands.The infrastructure works was contracted to external contractors through a partnership agreement. Disaster related training's was done by Red cross, Fire service and National disaster management office in Solomon Islands. UN Women provided funding support and monitoring on the activities.

Physical market structures and operating systems are improved to make markets more gender-responsive, safer, more accessible and sustainable, resilient to disaster risks and climate change

Markets in the Solomon Islands have improved their physical environments to better meet the health, safety, universal access and needs of women market vendors. Operations by market management in the four Solomon Islands markets continue to improve, ensuring that markets are kept open, adhering to COVID-19 safety regulations and remain clean, hygienic and safe for selling. In 2022 the Auki Market, Gizo Market, Honiara Market and Munda Market worked with Provincial Governments and the National Disaster Management Office to develop disaster response management (DRM) plans. The DRM plans are enabling market management to improve its systems to ensure that market vendors, visitors or general public are safe during disasters. The implementation of the DRM plans will help to ensure that not only are market vendors’ needs and issues addressed but also that relevant skills and disaster awareness are provided to enhance vendors’ capacity to prepare for disasters, and to better cope during and after a disaster. As part of the Markets for Change project, the implementation of these DRM plans and action plans at these four markets will also ensure that the market buildings are more resilient to disaster risks including climate change, thereby making the market environment more comfortable and safer for market vendors. The Munda Market worked to improve women’s access to water, sanitation and hygiene through the provision of four water tanks and water pumps for its washrooms and ablution blocks. The improved water access is providing much relief as women spend long hours in the markets – often daylong. These facilities were often without water for days. Proper security services have also been established in the markets. This is to enhance vendor and customer safety by reducing the risk of theft and violence in the markets. The Markets for Change team conducted market infrastructure surveys and audits to confirm that markets are now more gender-responsive, accessible, and disaster resistant. UN Women provided financial and technical support towards the strengthening of markets operating systems in the Solomon Islands through the Markets for Change Project.