NOFOTANE WOMEN ‘MARKETS FOR CHANGE'

Nofotane Market for Change at Siumu, officially opened this week

​The self-employed nofotane women under Samoa Victim Support Group’s economic empowerment program, is not only changing mindsets about nofotane women in Samoa, but they are also changing behaviours.  How? By being the change makers themselves.
 
The latest change saw the nofotane women extending the definition of a ‘market’ from a place to facilitate the exchange of goods and services, to a safe space that celebrates change in themselves, which they now referred to as ‘Markets for Change.’

And the changes are obvious.  There is a confidence in the way the nofotane women are now conducting themselves.  The way they talk, they walk, they conduct business and even the way they care for their families.  They have a sense of purpose; that they are valued; while remaining humble.  And their husbands are supporting them all the way.
 
This week saw the nofotane women of Siumu-i-Sisifo opening its ‘Nofotane Market for Change’, taking the total number of Nofotane Markets established within village communities to five (5).  

It is therefore rewarding for SVSG and its supporting partners to see years of gender equality advocacy work come to fruition; To see our people’s lives improved while remaining safe.
 
“The funding support from the European Union through the Civil Society Support Program is therefore acknowledged with gratitude and appreciation, otherwise, we would not be able to make such an impact in the lives the marginalized women in Samoa.” Siliniu Lina Chang, SVSG President