VNWU marks IWD with call for stronger women’s leadership

Mar 12, 2026 | News | 0

The Women’s Leadership of the Vanuatu National Workers Union (VNWU) and Women in Political Leadership have extended their appreciation, respect and encouragement to women across Vanuatu as the nation observed International Women’s Day (IWD).

In a statement marking the occasion, the VNWU Women’s Leadership acknowledged the strength, resilience, dedication and leadership demonstrated by women in shaping workplaces, communities and the nation.

The organisation highlighted that women play vital roles across all sectors of society, from leadership positions in institutions and organisations to the essential work of nurturing families and building strong communities.

“Today we celebrate the strength, resilience, dedication, and leadership of women who continue to shape our workplaces, communities and nation,” the statement said.

The union also recognised the contributions of women leaders within the trade union movement, particularly those serving in the Vanuatu Council of Trade Unions and women staff working across union affiliates throughout Vanuatu.

According to the statement, their dedication to advocating for workers’ rights, promoting fairness and strengthening solidarity among workers plays a crucial role in building a more just and equitable society.

The VNWU Women’s Leadership noted that trade unions are built on the values of solidarity, justice and collective strength, and that women leaders within unions help ensure the voices of workers—especially women workers—are heard, respected and protected.

The organisation also acknowledged women in leadership roles across different sectors, including those working in businesses, professional associations and non-government organisations.

“These women are contributing significantly to national development and social progress, strengthening institutions, promoting fairness and creating opportunities for others,” the statement said.

The message also paid tribute to women workers across the country, from national institutions to provincial and community levels.

Women working in offices, markets, farms, factories, schools, hospitals, transport services and the informal economy were recognised for their contributions to the wellbeing and development of the nation.

The union also took the opportunity to honour mothers, acknowledging the important role women play in nurturing families and raising future leaders.

“Motherhood itself is a powerful form of leadership that builds the foundation of strong families, strong communities and ultimately a strong nation,” the statement said.

Reflecting on the role of women in leadership, the statement drew inspiration from the biblical story of Queen Esther in the Book of Esther, describing her as an example of courage, wisdom and faith.

The story recounts how Esther rose to a position of influence during a time when her people faced great danger. When a decree threatened their lives, she chose to risk her own safety by approaching the king and speaking on behalf of her people.

Her courage and leadership eventually led to the decree being reversed and her people saved.

The VNWU Women’s Leadership said Esther’s story demonstrates that leadership is not only about titles or positions, but about courage, responsibility and the willingness to stand up for others.

Quoting a message from Esther’s cousin Mordecai in Esther 4:14—“Perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this”—the statement said these words continue to inspire women across generations.

The organisation said there are many “Esthers” in Vanuatu today—women standing for workers’ rights in workplaces, advocating for justice within unions, guiding young people in communities and shaping national policies in leadership positions.

It encouraged women to continue supporting and uplifting one another, emphasising that unity, knowledge sharing and mutual encouragement can strengthen women’s voices across all sectors of society.

While acknowledging that women face challenges in workplaces and leadership roles, the statement said these challenges can be overcome through solidarity, determination and faith.

The VNWU Women’s Leadership described International Women’s Day as a call for women across Vanuatu to recognise their value, strength and potential to lead.

“Every woman—whether she leads in an organisation, a business, a community group, or within her own family—has the power to influence change,” the statement said.

The organisation encouraged women to step forward with courage and confidence, and called for continued support for women’s leadership in workplaces, communities, unions and national institutions.

In closing, the VNWU Women’s Leadership urged women across the country—from national leaders to community advocates, union leaders, mothers and workers—to continue rising with strength and purpose.

“Stand with courage. Lead with wisdom. Advocate for justice. Support one another. Together, women can build stronger workplaces, stronger communities and a stronger Vanuatu for generations to come.”

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Skills competition brings Pacific nations together in Vanuatu October 21, 2026
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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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