[Published on Saturday, March 28, 2026]
BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
A long-time market vendor who joined the Auki Market Women Vendors Association (AMWVA) is encouraging other vendors in the market to join the association.
Hannah Aquala, who has been a member of the association for more than 10 years, said this is the only way forward for their challenges and struggles to be heard and addressed by partners.
She said that in previous years, they have achieved their goals by working together through the association.
“I really want to encourage other vendors in this market house to join this women’s vendors association. This is the only right path to voice our needs that we are facing in this market.
“Like fencing and tables around this market house, and the ablution facilities over there, are what we have achieved through this association,” she said.
She said that applying for an individual project was focused on by partners, but it is possible through the association.
“At this point in time, individual applications for projects can’t be successful, but they can be successful when we apply through an association or group. Stakeholders and our friends, the NGOs, can help when we apply as a group,” she said.
Meanwhile, President of the Auki Market Women Vendors Association, Kathy Pearson, said that there are many challenges and struggles that the vendors have faced in the market.
She said some of them have been heard and witnessed in the market.
“We have experienced and encountered much violence against women vendors in the market. Some even come from the women’s husbands,” she said.
She said that the registration for membership in the association is currently open.
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