The MoU outlines a shared approach to preventing violence, drug activity, and theft in municipal market spaces.
28 October 2025
Suva, Fiji - A significant step towards enhancing the safety and well-being of market vendors in Fiji was taken today as the Ministry of Local Government, municipal councils, the Fiji Police Force, and Market Vendor Associations (MVAs), with support from UN Women, signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Civic Centre in Suva.
The MoU outlines a shared approach to preventing violence, drug activity, and theft in municipal market spaces.
Honourable Maciu Nalumisa, Minister for Housing and Local Government, welcomed the partnership, recognising the joint commitment it represents.
"Today's event is a reflection of our continuous effort together as a team in building a market institution safe and free from criminal activities. Let it be known that our market vendors stand with the municipal councils to support the Fiji Police Force in fighting against drugs," said Hon Nalumisa.
In a recent consultation convened by UN Women's Markets for Change (M4C) project, the Fiji Police Force highlighted persistently high crime rates in and around markets across 12 M4C project sites, particularly in the Western Division, the region with the highest number of participating markets. Both women and men vendors have been affected, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated safety measures.
Fiji Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu acknowledged the work already underway.
"We recognise concerns raised regarding criminal activities at various markets and municipalities; however, I want to reassure you all that concerted efforts have been made by Divisional Police Commanders and their respective municipalities to strengthen security mechanisms within the market areas," said Mr Tudravu.
Ongoing safety initiatives include expanded use of surveillance and digital infrastructure, particularly along the Suva-Nausori corridor, where the installation of CCTV cameras with facial recognition, number plate detection, and thermal imaging is enabling real-time monitoring from divisional and national command centres.
"Today's signing advances current efforts, as Police cannot fight crime alone, and need the support of all stakeholders, working together in the promotion of safety of all public places."
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Peter Roberts, provided key remarks, reaffirming Australia's support through M4C, highlighting the vital link between infrastructure and women's safety.
"As well as improving market infrastructure, the program has built women's accommodation to allow women market vendors who travel far a place to stay overnight before selling their produce in the morning. More than just facilitating women's economic participation, the accommodation has served to keep women safe," he said.
Lautoka Market Vendors Association President, Filomena Ditukana, welcomed the signing on behalf of vendors across Fiji.
"The Memorandum of Understanding reflects our shared commitment to four things. One, enhance safety and security in our market spaces. Two, collaborate on initiatives to prevent crime and address illicit activities. Three, providing support to both vendors and customers. Four, strengthening relationships between market vendors, the Fiji Police Force and the municipal councils," she said.
Ms Alison Davidian, UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office (Fiji MCO) Representative, highlighted the systemic shift driven by the M4C programme.
"We've also learned something essential, and that is that infrastructure on its own doesn't make markets safer, not just by itself. It's people, its systems, and it's the trust that sustains it," said Ms Davidian.
"This memorandum of understanding formalises a shared promise that safety is everybody's responsibility."
She noted that this partnership between government, police, market vendors, and development partners demonstrates the true value of the M4C programme: transforming markets into spaces that are not only centres of commerce but also platforms for safety, inclusion, and leadership.
About UN Women's Markets for Change Project
The Markets for Change project promotes gender equality through the economic empowerment of women market vendors in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. It brings together government, market vendors and market vendor associations, civil society organizations and UN agencies. M4C Phase II is implemented by UN Women in partnership with UNDP and the Government of Australia.