New safety and communications equipment strengthens municipal markets across Fiji

Suva, Fiji – Fifty CCTV cameras, eight LED display screens and two public address systems valued at FJD 146,343.47 were handed over today to support eight municipal markets across Fiji, strengthening efforts to create safer, more inclusive market environments for women vendors and the wider public.

The equipment was handed over through UN Women’s Markets for Change programme, with support from the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The systems will support improved communication, monitoring and response within the participating markets of Namaka, Labasa, Ba, Rakiraki, Nausori, Tavua, Levuka and Savusavu.

Municipal markets are central to towns and cities across Fiji and are important workplaces and sources of income for women. Concerns such as theft, violence and harassment can affect women’s livelihoods, wellbeing and ability to participate fully in economic life, making market safety an important part of creating an enabling environment for women to work and do business with confidence and dignity.

Speaking at the handover, Minister for Housing and Local Government Hon. Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa highlighted the investment's wider purpose beyond the equipment itself.

“We are not just handing over cameras, screens, and speakers. We are handing over confidence, connection, and community strength. And very important, we are building a Fiji where safety is not privileged.”

The Minister said CCTV systems can support crime prevention and investigations, while public address and display systems can help councils share timely information and coordinate responses, including during emergencies. He also emphasised the importance of collaboration between municipal councils, the Fiji Police Force and communities in ensuring the systems are used effectively.

The handover also supports implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Safer Markets, signed in October last year by the Fiji Police Force, municipal councils and Market Vendors Associations, with support from the Australian Government and UN Women. The agreement recognises that keeping markets safe is a shared responsibility.

Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Fiji Ms Elizabeth Petrovic said Australia was proud to support the initiative in response to priorities identified by the Fijian Government, market vendors and local government partners.

“We hope the assets will make a practical difference to the market vendors and to help create markets that are safer, more welcoming, and more resilient.”

UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office Deputy Representative Eri Taniguchi said the investment was ultimately about women’s rights, safety and economic participation.

“At the heart of this investment is a simple message: every woman has the right to work, earn an income and participate in economic life in safety and with dignity,” said Ms. Taniguchi.

UN Women stressed that technology alone cannot make a market safe. Effective implementation also depends on cooperation between municipal councils, the Fiji Police Force, market management and Market Vendors Associations, and on ensuring that women vendors are heard and able to contribute to decisions affecting their workplaces.

Through the Markets for Change programme, UN Women continues to work with government, municipal councils, market management, Market Vendors Associations and development partners to strengthen market environments and advance women’s economic empowerment.