After 17 years of selling fresh produce at the Suva Market, vendor Sofia Tale is stepping into a new chapter by leading a Women’s Cooperative that will soon operate a restaurant and bakery.
Tale, a mother of three, has spent many years building her livelihood in the market, starting with something as simple as coconuts sent by her parents from their village.
She says what began as a way to support her husband and family has now grown into an effort to empower other women.
Tale, who is the president and founder of the Suva Market Inspiring Women Cooperative, says her vision was shaped by years of firsthand experience as a vendor.
She wants to see women move beyond daily market sales and explore larger business opportunities.
Her journey into the cooperative movement began after learning about it through initiatives supported by the United Nations Development Programme and other programmes focused on financial empowerment.
The 41-year-old decided to introduce the concept to women vendors at the Suva Market.
She says the response was strong, with many women ready to take the next step in growing their businesses.
She is now urging women to expand their skills and explore new ventures.
