Outcome VUT_D_2.5

Women have income security, decent work and economic autonomy

The strong leadership presence of women in market vendors associations (MVAs) in Vanuatu is ensuring that the voice of women is heard and magnified at all levels, and that workplace barriers caused by gender biases are removed. All MVA presidency positions have been taken up by women. In addition, in all six MVAs, women fill all of the executive roles. Moreover, under their leadership, the MVAs have demonstrated good governance, transparency and increasing accountability to the vendors through effective MVA management. This has included opening up social and economic opportunities for market vendors to actively participate. Local governments, market management and other decision-makers show increased commitment to actively engage the MVAs. In many ways, the MVAs are being consulted, informed, and included in discussions and processes such as planning. These duty-bearers have come to appreciate the application of gender-responsive actions for enhanced marketplace operations and management. The evolving policy landscape of the markets in Vanuatu are creating an enabling environment for clean and safe workspaces. Standard operating procedures (SOPs), government health regulations, market disaster management plans and market by-laws are contributing to making markets more gender-responsive, more accessible, safer, and more resilient to disaster risks. New communications instalments (CCTV and PA systems) are improving information flows in the marketplaces, contributing to improved vendor knowledge of marketplace regulations, and overall personal and marketplace safety and security, such as minimizing/eliminating thieving and violence against women vendors and children in the markets. There are indications of improved socio-economic security of women market vendors, shown by their improved their levels of income and savings/ financial capital (loans, credit, savings, investments). About 20 percent of the women market vendors showed financial independence in their businesses and households as well as the capacity to use social and financial services. In addition, 20 percent of female market vendors had improved business and financial skills, including the ability to start and maintain savings and record-keeping, and use online platforms for business. Another percent of women market vendors have expanded their businesses.