Samoa Celebrates International Day of Rural Women in Savai‘i
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Apia, Samoa – The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD), in partnership with UN Women, marked Samoa’s first-ever celebration of the International Day of Rural Women (IDRW) in the island of Savai‘i on 15 October 2025 at the MLS Salelologa Market.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Voices, Building Futures,” the event recognised the achievements and leadership of rural women in Samoa. Through the Markets for Change (M4C) Programme, the celebration emphasised the vital role of rural women in addressing climate change and advancing gender equality in the face of increasing environmental challenges.
This annual observance honours the critical contributions of rural women to Samoa’s social and economic development, particularly in agriculture. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), women in Samoa play a central role in agribusiness and food production, often managing family farms and small enterprises. Despite being underrepresented in formal statistics, women are estimated to produce up to 80% of food on small farms. Additionally, 98% of women in Samoa’s agricultural sector are engaged in informal employment, compared to 97% of men.
“Rural women are the backbone of our communities. Their strength, resilience, and leadership are the foundation of inclusive development in Samoa. This day is a tribute to their unwavering contributions and a call to amplify their voices,” Hon. Moefa‘auo Julius A.K. Tafuna‘i, Minister for Women, Community and Social Development.
However, rural women continue to face significant challenges, including poverty, climate change, limited access to healthcare, and economic opportunities. The 2025 celebration aimed to spotlight these issues while showcasing the resilience and innovation of women vendors across Samoa. In 2023, only 41% of women were active in the labour force, compared to 67% of men. Women also face significant barriers in business ownership, with only 44% of businesses owned by women, and they earn less on average than men across all professional categories.
“Through the District Development Projects, we are ensuring that rural women and market vendors are not only seen but supported — with targeted investments in infrastructure, training and income-generating opportunities that reflect their unique needs and aspirations,” Hon. Moefa‘auo Julius A.K. Tafuna‘i, Minister for Women, Community and Social Development
A highlight of the celebration was a panel of four women in business who shared their journeys, experiences, and successes — offering inspiration to others pursuing entrepreneurship. Each panellist reflected on the key strategies that have guided their growth and resilience:
- Maintaining a healthy mind and positive outlook in the face of challenges.
- Practising good planning and financial management to ensure sustainable business growth.
- Building a strong support system through family, networks, and mentorship; and
- Leveraging a strong social media platform for marketing, visibility, and customer connection.
Their stories — fuelled by hard work, love, and faith — showcased the determination and spirit of Samoan women entrepreneurs who continue to turn small beginnings into thriving enterprises, driving both family livelihoods and national development.
“Women in our communities are on the frontline of climate change, disasters, and food insecurity. When they have equal access to land, finance, and leadership, entire communities thrive,” Ms. Alison Davidian, UN Women Representative, MCO Fiji
The event brought together rural women from diverse sectors — agriculture, fisheries, food processing, and textiles — to share experiences, build solidarity, and promote sustainable practices. A key feature was the Market Stall Competition Prize Giving, led by the M4C Project, encouraging hygiene, eco-friendly practices, and community collaboration among market vendors.
“The Government of Australia is proud to stand alongside Samoa in empowering rural women. Their leadership and innovation are vital to building a resilient and inclusive Pacific. Through our partnership, we are committed to supporting locally led solutions that uplift communities and promote gender equality,” His Excellency Will Robinson, Australian High Commissioner to Samoa.
“This celebration reminds us that our voices matter. We are not just selling produce, we are building futures for our families and communities,” said Karen Ah Poe, Salelologa Market Vendor
The Markets for Change (M4C) project promotes gender equality through the economic empowerment of women market vendors in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. It brings together governments, market vendor associations, civil society organizations, and UN agencies. M4C Phase II is implemented by UN Women Pacific in partnership with UNDP in Samoa, Cook Islands, Tokelau & Niue, with funding from the Government of Australia together with the Government of Samoa.