Residents of Onamutai in the Oshana Region's Ongwediva Constituency have become beneficiaries of a women's community open market.

The market provides a platform for community members, especially women, to sell their goods and generate income.

For three decades, the Onamutai community has been selling their produce under a tree to sustain themselves.

However, this is now something of the past with the construction of a women's community open market by EDDD Investment at a cost of N$111,000.

The open market, which consists of five lockable stalls and provides clean drinking water, has now become a reality. The Ongwediva constituency Councillor expresses gratitude for their social responsibility in making this project possible.

"This is not the first time we are funded by this fishing company; we were also in need of the provision of clean water for the Omaalala community, and they funded us to the tune of 37,000, and as we are talking, the Omaalala community is enjoying the water provision from the funding of this fishing company. We really appreciate what they did to us, and we can't forget the service that they are giving to our community here around," said Andreas Uutoni, Councillor for the Ongwediva Constituency.

Rural women are key agents for achieving the transformational economic and social changes necessary for sustainable development.

This is why the women of Onamutai engage in selling food to combat poverty, said Loide Frans, a vendor at Onamutai Village.

"We started selling a long time ago in the 90s, moving from one tree to another in search of shade, but this is now something of the past because our councillor came to our aid, and when he secured funds for the construction of our open market, we used to suffer, especially during the rainy season, as there was no roof over our heads."

Empowering rural communities is essential for the well-being of individuals, families, and the community at large, as well as for overall economic productivity.