The Australian High Commissioner’s International Women’s Day Award was presented to Maureen Sariki, President and members of the Honiara Market Vendors Association executive today for their leadership and inclusive decision-making for market vendors in Solomon Islands.
The annual Australian High Commissioner’s International Women’s Day Award recognises inspirational and pioneering Solomon Islands groups and individuals who show leadership, innovation and courage, and whose achievements have contributed to the empowerment of women in Solomon Islands.
“These awards provide a great platform to recognise the achievements of the many inspiring role models across Solomon Islands, and we hope also encourages others to support gender equity across the country,” said Australian High Commissioner Rod Brazier.
“This year, we’ve chosen to honour the Honiara and Auki Market Vendors Associations, who have both made significant contributions to improving the Solomon Islands economy.
These Associations have also developed the small business skills of their members, engaged in budget planning, lobbied for infrastructure improvements and shown themselves to be impressive leaders in the market community”.
Maureen Sariki, President of the Honiara Market Vendors Association said “today is a happy day for me and the Honiara Market Vendors Association, for getting this recognition from the High Commissioner”.
“My dream is to see changes in the Honiara market, to see that the market is more organised and a safe place for vendors to sell their goods and also for people who come to buy things at the market. I’d like to see the market as a safe environment, to ensure that vendors are not subject to violence and abuse and the rights of women vendors are protected at the market place.”
