Sixty women vendors at the Suva Municipal Market have received food safety training aimed at improving hygiene, food preparation and handling practices.

The two-day programme was conducted by Health Inspectors from the Suva City Council, with both women and men vendors taking part in practical sessions on safe food preparation, hygiene and proper food handling.

The training was delivered under UN Women Pacific’s Markets for Change (M4C) Programme, with funding from the Government of Australia.

The programme supports women vendors by providing them with knowledge and confidence to contribute to safer, healthier and more inclusive market environments.

Suva City Council Chairman Tevita Boseiwaqa said improving vendors’ knowledge would have wider benefits for families and communities.

“Empowering our market vendors with knowledge means healthier families, safer food and stronger communities,” he said.

The Suva City Council acknowledged the continued support from the Government of Australia and UN Women Pacific towards initiatives focused on empowering women, strengthening livelihoods and improving safety within market spaces.

The initiative highlights the importance of food safety at every stage, from markets to consumers’ tables.

Source: Suva City Council