Outcome SLB_D_1.1

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 2023, efforts to enhance sustainability and resilience in marketplaces in the Solomon Islands became paramount, especially amidst diverse risks and challenges. Led by local and provincial governments, 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 the Solomon Islands. The collaboration between provincial governments and UN Women is reshaping the policy landscape of marketplaces in the Solomon Islands, fostering greater gender inclusivity. Through a comprehensive review of market ordinances in Western Province, Malaita Province Town Council, and Honiara City Council, with a focus on gender and inclusivity, draft ordinances have been crafted to address critical issues such as violence against women, including bullying within marketplaces, and to publicly declare a zero-tolerance stance on such acts. These drafts also encompass a wide array of concerns, ranging from food safety to waste disposal. In addition, drafts are also now in place for the disaster response plans for the Gizo Market and the Munda Market, through the support and leadership of the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office. While these ordinances and action plans were not adopted in 2023 due to changes in local government administrations and other market priorities, they remain instrumental in prioritizing safety, disaster preparedness and universal access standards. This approach carefully considers the diverse needs of market vendors and the public they serve, exemplifying a human-centered approach to policy development. MVAs have seen notable growth in their collective influence in 2023, progressively honing their leadership capabilities. Tailored initiatives, such as the Market Vendors Forum for executive MVA members showcased the women’s strong leadership presence and potential. They championed transparency, and accountability, and advocated for regulatory reforms while prioritizing the economic prosperity, well-being, and rights of vendors. Democratic leadership renewal took place for the Munda and Auki MVAs, reflecting the essence of democracy and the market vendor's active participation in shaping leadership at decision-making levels. A total of 64 women makes up 80% of the total number of Executive positions across the MVAs. This majority bloc in decision-making roles play a crucial role in shaping MVAs into inclusive, efficient, and representative advocacy groups for gender equality and women's empowerment. 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. In 2023, a total of 445 women market vendors were reached to access information, education, key resources (finances, technological tools), services, 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.

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 2024, Solomon Islands achieved remarkable progress in transforming its market governance systems through a dual approach focusing on leadership development and institutional reforms. The initiative engaged over 200 participants (over 75% women) across multiple regions, reflecting a commitment to addressing historical gender inequalities in market governance. Key achievements included the empowerment of Market Vendor Association (MVA) executives for more strategic leadership roles; the adoption of the Western Provincial Government's (WPG) Market Ordinance; digital financial solutions reaching 201 women vendors; and the leveraging of dialogue mechanisms for desired outcomes. Notable breakthroughs included the certification of 109 women in food safety, the representation of vendors in Provincial Disaster Committees for enhanced climate resilience, and the emergence of women market leaders on international platforms, demonstrating how targeted capacity building and structural reforms can create more equitable, sustainable, and resilient economic systems. At leadership level, 78 MVA executives (60 women,18 men) from Auki, Honiara, Gizo, Munda, and Buala undertook a fundamental transformation in their approach to market governance. These leaders have evolved beyond day-to-day management to embrace strategic planning and ecosystem-wide thinking, incorporating digital engagement and networking into their operations. In Munda, 40 rural vendors (37 women,3 men) exemplify this evolution, having developed sophisticated capabilities in analysing market by-laws. The Auki MVA's transformation is particularly noteworthy, with 80% of their leaders (13 women, 3 men) demonstrating enhanced capabilities in gender-sensitive leadership and conflict resolution, directly addressing power imbalances within market systems. Institutional reforms parallel and reinforce these leadership developments. The WPG Market Ordinance marks a significant shift in governance by mandating 50% revenue allocation for market maintenance and services, creating self-sustaining systems that particularly benefit women vendors. MVAs in Honiara, Munda, Gizo, Auki, and Buala have evolved into stronger organizations with standardized procedures & democratic governance structures. This transformation is evident in the Gizo MVA's Annual General Meeting, where 68 participants (61 women,7 men) demonstrated enhanced governance capabilities through transparent electoral processes. The establishment of dialogue through Market Steering Committee meetings across multiple locations has institutionalized vendor influence in governance. Two complementary platforms - the Project Working Committee for operational improvements and Project Management Committee for strategic planning - ensure sustainable engagement between rights holders and duty bearers. Through these mechanisms, vendor leaders now confidently present proposals, negotiate infrastructure improvements, and directly shape market development planning alongside government officials, marking a shift from previous consultation-only approaches to genuine co-governance. This dual transformation in both leadership and institutions creates the foundation for sustainable, inclusive economic systems that align with the Pacific UNSDCF Prosperity Pillar's vision. The changes demonstrate how removing structural barriers &building capacity can lead to more equitable and human-centered market systems that benefit traditionally marginalized groups while ensuring sustainable gender-responsive economic development. In progressing toward inclusive economic systems, 310 women market vendors across the Solomon Islands have acquired professional certifications &digital financial capabilities, demonstrating how targeted capacity building creates pathways for traditionally marginalized groups to participate fully in formal economic systems, directly contributing to the Prosperity Pillar's vision of sustainable and inclusive development. 201 women vendors have revolutionized their trading practices by mastering digital financial solutions, from voluntary savings programs to mobile money services. This transformation, anchored in the National E-commerce Strategy, has particularly empowered vendors in remote communities who previously lacked access to formal financial systems. Their adoption of digital platforms for transactions and business expansion demonstrates how technology can bridge traditional barriers while building more resilient &sustainable market enterprises. Professional development has further elevated vendors' economic participation, with 109 women completing food safety certification through the Ministry of Health. This achievement transforms their status from informal traders to certified professionals who demonstrate sophisticated mastery of food handling, storage &hygiene. This professionalization has triggered systemic improvements as vendors upgrade facilities to meet public health standards. Together, these digital &professional capabilities have enabled vendors to secure business licenses, comply with the Pure Food Act, and expand into new services like catering. This comprehensive transformation demonstrates how targeted capacity building removes structural barriers for women traditionally confined to informal sectors, creating pathways to sustainable and equitable economic participation. The changes contribute directly to the creation of sustainable, resilient, &diversified economic systems that reduce inequalities and ensure shared prosperity. Furthermore, two women market leaders broke new ground in 2024 by expanding their influence from local markets to international platforms. Honiara City MVA Secretary advocated for market vendors' rights at CSW68 and President represented Solomon Islands' business interests through craft sales at the SIDS4 Gender Equality Village in Antigua. This evolution from local market representatives to international advocates and entrepreneurs demonstrates how women are not only claiming their voice in global policy spaces but also creating new pathways for other women vendors - showing that market leadership can open opportunities for international advocacy, trade relationships, &business expansion. Their success paves the way for future generations of women vendors to envision and pursue leadership roles. 25 vendor leaders (20 women,5 men) now serve on Provincial Disaster Committees, marking a significant shift in disaster governance that ensures market vendors' perspectives &needs are central to climate adaptation planning. The majority women representation allows for women's voices and experiences to directly shape resilience strategies, transforming traditional power dynamics in disaster planning. As primary users of market spaces &those historically most affected by climate disruptions, women vendors bring critical first-hand knowledge to committee decisions. Their leadership ensures that infrastructure improvements, emergency protocols, and resource allocation reflect the practical needs of market communities while advancing gender-responsive climate adaptation. The construction of elevated sea walls in Buala &weather protection shelters in Honiara's central market demonstrates how vendor participation in institutional decision-making has led to practical solutions that protect vendor livelihoods &enhance market resilience, contributing to the vision of the UNSDCF Prosperity Pillar. UN Women advances gender-responsive market transformation through the Markets for Change programme, while coordinating a network of partners. At the government level: Ministry of Women, Ministry of Health, and various provincial &municipal authorities, notably the Western Provincial Government; civil society: MVAs; financial sector partners SINPF, Telekom, &ANZ Bank.