Winona Kalpukai – Sista Gat Style

May 23, 2025 | Sista Gat Style | 0

In light of National Women’s Day this month, we’re shining a light on the sporty and soulful Winona Kalpukai!

With roots in Efate, Ifira, Tongoa, Erromango, Emae, and Santo, Winona proudly represents her diverse heritage and wears her identity with pride. A loving mum, passionate rugby player, and National Administration and Finance Officer at FAO Vanuatu, she’s all about showing up with purpose whether it’s on the field, at work, or at home.

She describes her style as comfort-first and mood-driven, always staying true to herself over trends.

Her confidence shines through in everything she does, and her favorite verse keeps her grounded: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Winona reminds us of what it means to be bold and kind, all while staying true to yourself.

#SistaGatStyle #Mother #RugbyPlayer #YoungWoman #BeautifulSoul #Inspiring #Strong #Kind

Name

My name is Winona Kalpukai.

Age

I am 28 years old.

Where are you from?

My family line is giving very much royal family—LOL! I have roots in Efate, Ifira, Tongoa, Erromango, Emae, and Santo.

Tell us about your family.

I come from a big, loving family! I have six sisters and two brothers, making a total of nine siblings.

On top of that, I have four nieces, six nephews, and my precious baby boy. Three of my sisters and one of my brothers are married. Two of the couples live in Pango, one in Malapoa, and another in Eratap.

My parents have the biggest hearts. They didn’t just raise us, but also some of our cousins, who are now grown up, married, and building their own lives. I’m truly grateful for such caring and strong parents and for my siblings, who are some of the toughest and most supportive people I know.

Our nieces and nephews bring so much joy into our lives, though I’ll admit, they can be a handful sometimes! But they’re part of what makes our home so full of life.

And then there’s my son, my handsome boy. He is everything to me. He makes me smile, fills my heart with love, and yes, even gives me a few headaches! But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. He’s my world, and I thank God every day for such a blessing.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies?

In my spare time, I enjoy listening to music, spending time with friends, going out to eat, and most of all, playing rugby. Rugby is a big part of my life and something I truly love.

What do you study? Do you work?

I work as the National Administration and Finance Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Vanuatu.

What do you aspire to do in the future?

In the future, I want to continue growing both as a rugby player and in my career. I hope to improve my skills, stay strong and focused, and make a positive impact both on the field and at work. I also want to inspire others to work hard and follow their goals.

What is a quote that you live by?

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

How would you describe your style? Why do you like fashion?

I’m not really into any specific style, being myself is what matters most. I like fashion, but I’m not into fashion, if that makes sense. I appreciate it as a form of self-expression, but I don’t follow trends or dress to impress. I just wear what feels right for me.

Who influences your style?

I wouldn’t say there’s one specific person who influences my style. I usually dress based on how I feel and what makes me comfortable. My style is often influenced by my mood, the weather, and what feels appropriate for the occasion, especially when attending events. But at the end of the day, I simply wear what feels like me.

What beauty products do you use (including perfume)?

I don’t usually do makeup, nails, or hairstyles, unless it’s for a special occasion like a wedding, photoshoot, or big event, or if I’m treating myself.

As for perfume, I have many to choose from, but I love Elizabeth Arden – Splendor and COCO Mademoiselle – Chanel Paris.

Any fashion tips?

Wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Dress for the occasion (if you must), but never at the cost of your comfort. Keep your look clean and neat. Being well-groomed goes a long way, no matter your style. And don’t be afraid to try something new from time to time. Stay true to yourself, that’s where real style begins.

What does being a woman mean to you?

To me, being a woman means being strong and kind. It means carrying many roles—daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, leader, friend—with love and purpose. It means taking care of others, working hard, and standing up for myself, while embracing both my strengths and my struggles.

I believe I can be gentle and powerful at the same time. Being a woman is about loving who I am, helping those around me, and never giving up, even when life gets hard.

What is something you love about yourself?

Something I love about myself is that I’m an extrovert. I enjoy meeting new people, having conversations, and making others feel welcome. My outgoing nature helps me build strong connections and brings positive energy wherever I go.

What is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is losing someone I love the most, with no support in place to lift me up when I’m down. But more importantly, I fear losing myself, forgetting who I am and what truly matters to me.

Photography: JZ Photography
Nails: Polish Perfection
Assistant: Talula-Fay Taribakeo
Location: Korman Stadium

This article was originally published in the May,2025 edition of the Vanuatu Daily Post’s Life and Style magazine.

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Skills competition brings Pacific nations together in Vanuatu October 21, 2026
Vanuatu has welcomed young skilled competitors from across the Pacific for the 2026 Vanuatu National Skills Competition and International Friendly Skills Competition, which opened in Port Vila yesterday, October 19. Competitors from Timor-Leste, Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, Nauru and Kiribati have joined Vanuatu participants for the competition, which aims to promote practical skills, technical education and training opportunities for young people. Chairman of the organising committee and Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT) Principal Wade Evans said the competition was an opportunity for young people to demonstrate how practical skills could contribute to national development and improve people’s lives. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Evans said the event was not only about the organisers but, more importantly, about the young people who had volunteered to represent their countries. “This competition is something that we in the Pacific, we humanists, we young, we small countries, we can make a difference by excelling in skills,” he said. He said the competition could inspire young people and communities to recognise the importance of skills in improving family livelihoods and creating opportunities for individuals. Evans also acknowledged Timor-Leste for inspiring Vanuatu to organise its own international skills competition after a Vanuatu delegation participated in a similar event there earlier this year. He thanked the organising committee, Pacific Australia Skills, the Ministry of Education and Training, Vanuatu Skills Partnership and Vanuatu Qualifications Authority for their support in bringing the event together. The competition will also feature other activities during the week, including a fashion show on Tuesday, a panel discussion on Wednesday covering artificial intelligence, green skills and skills in schools, and a cultural performance by VIT students on Thursday. Evans said the activities would demonstrate the connection between practical skills and culture, while giving visiting delegations opportunities to exchange experiences and build relationships. Representing the Minister of Education and Training, Simil Johnson, newly elected Ambae Member of Parliament (MP) Howard Aru welcomed the international competitors and recognised the efforts of Vanuatu’s national participants. MPAru said the competition provided an opportunity to celebrate the contribution skilled workers make to the country’s development. He said the Government’s proposed 60:40 plan aimed to strengthen skills development within the national curriculum, with trials already under way at three schools. Aru said Vanuatu needed skilled people who could build, install, maintain, produce and repair, as well as solve problems, manage businesses and introduce new ideas into their communities. “Practical skills help families earn an income. Businesses improve their services,” he said. He said technical and vocational education and training should be recognised as valuable pathways to further education, employment and business opportunities. Aru also stressed the importance of preparing young people for changing workplace demands, including digital technologies, renewable energy and sustainable practices. He said schools, training providers, employers and communities needed to work together to ensure young people received relevant training and opportunities to apply their skills. Drawing on his own experience as a parent, Aru said he strongly believed in skills education after encouraging his son to pursue a skills-based pathway rather than a conventional academic route. He said his son was now working with a company in Port Vila, and his friends had also become interested in skills training after seeing the pathway he had taken. Aru said climate change challenges and the needs of local businesses would continue to create opportunities for skilled workers in Vanuatu. He encouraged competitors to prepare carefully, work safely, manage their time and focus on the quality of their work, while respecting fellow competitors and learning from the experience. He also called on employers and industry partners to continue supporting skills development and strengthening the connection between training institutions and the workplace. The 2026 Vanuatu National Skills Competition and International Friendly Skills Competition was officially declared open by MP Aru. The event is expected to provide a platform for competitors, trainers and visiting delegations to exchange knowledge, strengthen regional partnerships and promote the value of technical and vocational education across the Pacific. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Women Demand Action on Gender Equality Ahead of 2029 Elections October 19, 2026
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Male Insecurity Can Lead to Harmful Decisions, Therapist Warns October 19, 2026
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Rural women celebrated for strengthening communities, driving economies October 16, 2026
Rural women’s contributions to community wellbeing, economic development and local leadership were celebrated during a three-day International Rural Women’s Day event held at Eratap, Efate, under the theme, “Rural women rise up: Strong women, strong community.” The event was attended by Deputy Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu Emily Fisher, Assistant Secretary General (SG) of the SHEFA Provincial Government Council (SPGC) Liah Kaltoi, members of Silae Vanua Association and community members. Deputy High Commissioner Fisher applauded rural women’s contributions to keeping their communities healthy and strong. She reaffirmed the Australian Government’s continued support for projects across Vanuatu that empower women in rural communities. SPGC Assistant SG Kaltoi reaffirmed the provincial council’s commitment to working with the Government and its development partners to address challenges faced by rural women, particularly in accessing markets for their agricultural produce. She acknowledged that, despite women’s valuable contributions to the province and the country, no women are currently represented on the provincial council. Kaltoi expressed hope that women would unite to secure provincial-level representation and become a voice for other women. She encouraged women across the province to support one another, work collectively and take steps towards achieving representation on the provincial council. Department of Women’s Affairs (DWA) SHEFA Provincial Officer Lilgai Laliet acknowledged rural women’s contributions through producing and selling local food and other agricultural produce. She also recognised the support development partners provide to women-led organisations such as Silae Vanua, which works with rural women to strengthen their empowerment and economic participation. Laliet recognised the role men and boys play in supporting rural women, saying that empowering women requires a collective commitment from families, communities, government and development partners. She said rural women’s work deserved recognition and continued support, as their contributions extended beyond their households to strengthening communities and supporting national development. On behalf of the Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services, Laliet officially opened the three-day celebration. The event also featured information booths where women could learn about available services, support and opportunities. Participating organisations, including banks and the Vanuatu Women’s Centre, provided information on financial services and other forms of support to help women strengthen their economic participation and wellbeing.

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Child sexual abuse: Vanuatu cannot afford to look away October 15, 2026
Child sexual abuse cases have revealed a disturbing pattern: children are being abused not by strangers, but by people they know and trust, including fathers, relatives, teachers and others in positions of responsibility. Vanuatu cannot undo the sexual abuse many children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. With the Child Protection Bill before Parliament this month, Members of Parliament (MPs) have an important opportunity to strengthen protections for children and ensure a stronger response to abuse. The Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services (MOJYCS) says recent cases demonstrate the need for a stronger national response, including protection and support for children beyond the criminal prosecution of offenders. A five-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by her father, who was sentenced to five years and six months in prison in August this year. That same month, a grandfather was sentenced to more than four years in prison for sexually abusing his granddaughter. In September, a former teacher was sentenced for sexual offences against two 15-year-old students. In March, a man was sentenced for raping a 12-year-old girl. The abuse resulted in her pregnancy. These are among the child sexual abuse cases reported in Vanuatu’s newspapers in 2026. The Ministry says they represent only part of the problem. The Vanuatu Women’s Centre’s national survey, released in March 2026, found that nearly one in three women (30 per cent) had experienced sexual abuse before the age of 15. The MOJYCS says many children never disclose what has happened to them, particularly when the perpetrator is someone they love, fear or depend on. “We cannot continue to treat these cases as isolated tragedies. Child sexual abuse is a serious and widespread problem that demands a stronger national response,” the Ministry says. A prison sentence is not a child protection plan The Ministry argues that reports of criminal convictions reveal much less about what happens to the children themselves after abuse is discovered. “The cases reported in the newspapers tell us something about how Vanuatu’s criminal justice system responds to child sexual abuse. But they tell us much less about what happens to the children themselves,” MOJYCS says. Referring to the five-year-old girl whose father was sentenced for sexually assaulting her, the Ministry says the court’s decision explains the consequences for the perpetrator but does not establish what protection was put in place when the abuse came to light, whether other children were at risk or what support was available to help her recover. These questions, the Ministry says, are just as important as the criminal prosecution. The MOJYCS describes a situation in which a girl tells her teacher that someone at home has been sexually abusing her. She is frightened to return home, her mother may be financially dependent on the perpetrator, and younger children in the household may also be at risk. “The police can investigate the crime. But who assesses whether she is safe to go home that afternoon? Who helps her family find a safe way forward? Who ensures she receives medical care, counselling and ongoing support? And who follows up to make sure she remains safe?” the Ministry asks. “These questions cannot wait months or years for a criminal trial to conclude.” Vanuatu already has laws criminalising rape, incest and other sexual offences. Police, prosecutors and courts play an essential role in investigating crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. However, the MOJYCS says criminal investigations and child protection responses serve different purposes. “A criminal investigation asks whether an offence was committed and who is responsible. A child protection response must ask a different, equally urgent question: is this child safe, and what needs to happen now to protect them?” the Ministry says. “Protecting a child must begin when abuse comes to light, not when a perpetrator is convicted.” The Ministry says this is why the proposed Child Protection Bill matters. The Bill seeks to establish a stronger legal framework for protecting children at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It would establish clearer reporting responsibilities, strengthen the authority of child protection officers to assess and respond to abuse, and provide mechanisms for emergency protection, court orders and safe alternative care. The MOJYCS says these measures would establish clear responsibilities and provide the legal authority needed to intervene when a child is in danger. “A child who discloses sexual abuse needs more than a police investigation. That child needs to be safe tonight, tomorrow and in the months and years that follow,” the Ministry says. Parliament has an opportunity to act The MOJYCS recognises that families, chiefs, churches and communities all have important roles in protecting children. However, it says informal arrangements and goodwill are not always enough when abuse occurs within a family or community. Children need a system with clear legal responsibilities, trained professionals and the authority to intervene when their safety is at risk, the Ministry says. It also cautions that legislation alone will not end child sexual abuse. A strong Child Protection Bill must be backed by trained child protection officers, accessible services, effective referral pathways and sustained investment, including in rural and remote communities. Without these investments, the MOJYCS warns, the promise of stronger legal protection risks remaining just that — a promise. For children experiencing abuse, the Ministry says, the issues are not abstract questions about legislation or government responsibilities. They concern immediate safety, dignity, care and recovery. The MOJYCS says a child’s access to protection should not depend on where they live, whom they know or whether someone happens to be available to help when they disclose abuse. “To the MPs who will consider the Child Protection Bill this month: the children behind these headlines deserve more than our concern. They deserve action,” the Ministry says. “Vanuatu cannot undo the abuse these children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. “Pass a strong Child Protection Bill. Commit the resources needed to make it work. And ensure that when a read more…

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Winona Kalpukai – Sista Gat Style

In light of National Women’s Day this month, we’re shining a light on the sporty and soulful Winona Kalpukai!

She describes her style as comfort-first and mood-driven, always staying true to herself over trends.

Her confidence shines through in everything she does, and her favorite verse keeps her grounded: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Winona reminds us of what it means to be bold and kind, all while staying true to yourself.

#SistaGatStyle #Mother #RugbyPlayer #YoungWoman #BeautifulSoul #Inspiring #Strong #Kind

Name

Age

Where are you from?

Tell us about your family.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies?

What do you study? Do you work?

What do you aspire to do in the future?

What is a quote that you live by?

How would you describe your style? Why do you like fashion?

Who influences your style?

What beauty products do you use (including perfume)?

Any fashion tips?

What does being a woman mean to you?

What is something you love about yourself?

What is your biggest fear?

Follow Sista

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‘Rooted in Light’ by Talula-Fay Taribakeo

Winona Kalpukai – Sista Gat Style

In light of National Women’s Day this month, we’re shining a light on the sporty and soulful Winona Kalpukai!

She describes her style as comfort-first and mood-driven, always staying true to herself over trends.

Her confidence shines through in everything she does, and her favorite verse keeps her grounded: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Winona reminds us of what it means to be bold and kind, all while staying true to yourself.

#SistaGatStyle #Mother #RugbyPlayer #YoungWoman #BeautifulSoul #Inspiring #Strong #Kind

Name

Age

Where are you from?

Tell us about your family.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Any hobbies?

What do you study? Do you work?

What do you aspire to do in the future?

What is a quote that you live by?

How would you describe your style? Why do you like fashion?

Who influences your style?

What beauty products do you use (including perfume)?

Any fashion tips?

What does being a woman mean to you?

What is something you love about yourself?

What is your biggest fear?

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‘Rooted in Light’ by Talula-Fay Taribakeo