An Australian-backed investment of AU$5.3 million under the Markets for Change (M4C) programme is supporting improved food safety, hygiene and working conditions for women market vendors in Samoa, with sanitation and food-handling equipment worth $64,410.50 handed over on Friday. 

The initiative is led by the United Nations (UN) Women and focuses on strengthening women’s economic participation through safer, more sustainable market operations.

Maselina Chu Shing, a fish vendor at the Savalalo Market with 20 years’ experience, said health and safety are critical in protecting consumers and sustaining livelihoods.

“Well, being a fish vendor, I think health and safety is one of the most important aspects, especially since we provide fresh fish to the public, and consumer consumption is very important to us," she said. "If we do not handle our fish well, we will be encouraging food poisoning and diseases that our people do not need to contract because of the fish.”

Chu Shing said vendors asked for practical equipment to help maintain quality.

“We requested coolers so that we can keep our fish cool and always ice the stuff to maintain quality for sale and for the public's consumption. So, most of the stuff is also for sanitising.”

Equipment distributed to the Savalalo Fish Market included large coolers, disposable wipes, disinfectants, hand wash, hand sanitisers, fly swatters, Bastion cleaning products and protective gloves. Fugalei Market vendors received brooms, circular food covers, hand wash, sanitisers, sponges, rubbish bins, mops, buckets and fly swatters.

Chu Shing said hygiene standards are reinforced daily among other fish vendors in Savalalo.

“Since we meet each other every day at the market, we're always reminded, because our president and our vice president and all our executives, they also sell fish.” She added that presentation and hygiene influence customer confidence.

Veronika Vine Semisi, vice president of the Fugalei Markets Vendors Association, welcomed the support from development partners.

“I thank God for the partnership between Samoa and Australia. It is a really big help for those of us who are running businesses, not only training, equipment, but there is so much importance from this project- we are truly thankful.”

Semisi said more than 60 food stall vendors are expected to receive equipment, with support targeted to vendors who process food. Training covered health requirements, certification, business licensing and personal hygiene standards.

Speaking on behalf of the Australian High Commission to Samoa, Jasmine Joerimann said food safety investments deliver immediate and long-term benefits.

“Food safety is fundamental. It prevents illness, builds consumer trust, and strengthens livelihoods.”

Lesa Silupevaelei Vaiao Beverly Kepu, treasurer of the Savalalo Fish Market Vendors Association, said the programs would improve safety, income stability and long-term well-being for vendors’ families.