Baa Maalhos hosts Alun Balun Resale Market to celebrate World Tourism Day

Women’s Development Committees (WDCs) of six islands in Baa. Atoll hosted a special edition of the Alun Balun Resale Market on Friday at Baa. Maalhos to commemorate World Tourism Day, marked on September 27th every year.

This Alun Balun Resale market was led by the Women’s Development Committees (WDC)’s of Baa Maalhos, Dharavandhoo, Kihaadhoo, Dhonfanu, Kudarikilu and Kendhoo and supported by Maalhos Council and Soneva Namoona. This is the first such market held with the presence of all participating islands Baa Atoll.

For this market, secondhand goods were collected from participating islands, nearby resorts and from Male’, with over 400 items collected within just 5 days from Male’ alone.

The Alun Balun Resale Market initiative, which began at Baa. Atoll, has also been recently introduced at Noonu Atoll with the support of Soneva Namoona. Combined, the markets have so far generated more than MVR 30,000 in revenue for the participating WDCs.

The market aims to foster a culture of re-use and resource conservation, while empowering women as environmental stewards and leaders. The market connects the WDCs of the seven islands, providing access to secondhand goods at a reasonable price, extending the useful life span of products and reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill.

Yesterday’s market in Maalhos, held at Maalhos School, saw the sales of the collected secondhand clothes, shoes, accessories, books, household items and toys. The market also saw the sale of upcycled craft items made from waste material by local craftsmen as well local delicacies prepared by the Women’s Development Committeees. The market also hosted a cultural village, facepainting and a special performance from a tourist in Maalhos. Former Deputy Speaker of the Majlis and women’s rights activist Ms. Aneesa Ahmed was the Chief Guest at the event.

“As we celebrate initiatives like the Alun Balun Resale Market, we must acknowledge the pivotal role they play in empowering women in these islands. I applaud the WDCs for their tireless efforts and Soneva Namoona for their unwavering support in championing this cause, paving the way for a more empowered, environmentally conscious and sustainable future for women in our communities,” said Ms. Aneesa Ahmed.

“In addition to contributions from the islands and Male’, we received generous donations from nearby resorts – Amillafushi, Dhigufaru, and Soneva Fushi. We extend our gratitude to these resorts for supporting the Alun Balun Market, which has revitalised the Women’s

Development Committees of our islands. This impact extends beyond product lifespan and waste reduction, playing a crucial role in fostering community cohesion and sustainability,” Maalhos WDC President Ms. Nuzuhath Ahmed.

“Soneva Namoona is honored to stand alongside the WDCs in this remarkable journey toward sustainability and empowerment. We extend our deepest gratitude to these committed committees for their unwavering dedication and active involvement, as well as the Maalhos Council which has been instrumental in making yesterday’s market a resounding success. ” said Soneva Namoona Reduce Manager, Khady Hamid.