Sista acknowledges the recent apology issued by the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs regarding the public statements calling for the revocation of Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment as Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).
While we appreciate this apology, the discussions that have taken place have highlighted a much deeper issue—one that continues to affect women across Vanuatu. As we prepare to celebrate 46 years of Independence, it is disheartening that women are still being told there are leadership positions they cannot hold—not because they lack the qualifications, experience, or integrity, but simply because of their gender.
Dr Anna Naupa was not appointed through political favour. She was selected through an independent regional recruitment process undertaken by the Melanesian Spearhead Group. The role of Director General is a professional leadership position serving the entire Melanesian region, and the MSG Agreement does not prescribe any gender requirement for the role.
Dr Naupa’s appointment reflects decades of commitment to Vanuatu, the Pacific, and Melanesia. She is one of Vanuatu’s most respected development practitioners, having served in senior leadership roles across government, civil society, and regional organisations. Most recently, she completed her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), adding to an already distinguished career dedicated to governance, policy, development, and strengthening Melanesian institutions.
Leadership should be determined by capability, experience, vision, and service—not by whether someone is a man or a woman.
Vanuatu has made commitments through our Constitution, national policies, and international agreements to advance gender equality and increase women’s participation in decision-making. Yet today, women continue to face barriers that men are rarely asked to overcome. When a woman’s appointment is questioned because of her gender rather than her ability, it sends a discouraging message to every young girl who dreams of becoming a leader.
Sista recognises the important role that kastom and the Malvatumauri play in preserving our cultural identity. We also believe that culture continues to evolve alongside our society. Throughout Vanuatu, women have always been leaders within their families, churches, communities, businesses, and organisations. Across Melanesia, women continue to demonstrate extraordinary leadership in every sector of society.
This moment is bigger than one appointment.
It is about whether we judge women by their qualifications or by outdated assumptions about what leadership should look like.
To every woman and girl in Vanuatu: your aspirations are valid. You deserve to pursue any leadership role you choose. If you have the skills, the commitment, and the determination, your gender should never be the reason you are told “no.”
Anna, the Sista team stands proudly with you. We congratulate you on this historic appointment and thank you for continuing to show young women across Vanuatu and Melanesia that leadership has no gender.
May your appointment open doors for many more women to follow.
As the late Grace Mera Molisa reminds us in her poem “Cooperation,” our strength has always been in standing together:
“We need to be committed to work together.
Talking together.
Walking together.
To be seen to be working together.”
The Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs has issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat, demanding the immediate revocation of Dr Anna Naupa’s appointment as Director General (DG) of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). The Council warned that if the government fails to rescind the appointment by 30 July 2026, traditional leaders across the country will initiate customary actions to challenge the decision.
The controversy stems from the recent appointment of Dr Naupa, who is currently based in Australia for six months, while MSG Acting DG Ilan Kiloe oversees daily operations in Port Vila.
The formal letter of concern was addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on 6 January 2026, in which then Acting President of the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs, Chief George Bumseng, outlined four key reasons why he believed the post should be held by a male officer.
Chief Bumseng is also chairman of the Malmemeli Ambrym Council of Chiefs.
In his letter to MP Napat, he cited four reasons why a female candidate should not be appointed to the position of MSG DG.
He said that, according to Vanuatu customs and traditional beliefs, only men are entitled to perform certain types of customary ceremonies. Chief Bumseng said these ceremonies are fundamental to the process of becoming chiefs and customary leaders who represent their tribes.
Chief Bumseng said in his letter that as MSG shortlisted candidates for interviews for the position of MSG DG, it was the Council’s respectful view that the appointment should align with the nation’s traditions. He encouraged the PMO to consider appointing a male candidate to the position.
While acknowledging Dr Naupa’s qualifications, the Ambrym chief said the appointment of a female candidate to the position could risk undermining the respect accorded to customs and traditional values.
Chief Bumseng said the MSG Secretariat has already initiated groundwork for the establishment of the MSG Council of Chiefs, a body envisioned to uphold and safeguard traditional leadership structures in Melanesia. He said this process is deeply rooted in customary formalities and protocols, which emphasise the role of male chiefs as custodians of tradition. He said appointing a female DG at this stage could risk undermining the cultural legitimacy of the council’s formation.
In a statement released yesterday, Chief Bumseng said the letter was issued before the appointment of Dr Naupa as the new MSG DG and accused PM Napat of turning a blind eye to the chiefs’ concerns.
Chief Bumseng said the Council maintained that under Vanuatu’s custom (kastom), specific ceremonial obligations and chieftainship protocols are reserved for men.
“While recognising Ms Naupa’s professional qualifications, the chiefs argued that appointing a female candidate to the highest administrative office of the MSG risks undermining the traditional respect accorded to customary values. The Council emphasised that the MSG Secretariat is not merely a bureaucratic body, but a symbolic pillar of Melanesian identity that must reflect customary governance,” he said. Chief Bumseng said Malvatumauri’s intervention relies heavily on the Constitution of the Republic of Vanuatu, which recognises traditional values, customary law and the Council of Chiefs as key advisory pillars on matters of culture and heritage.
“Ignoring the Council’s role risks undermining the constitutional recognition of custom, cultural continuity, and the delicate balance between modern governance and traditional structures,” he said.
Chief Bumseng said that by setting a deadline of 30 July, the chiefs have placed pressure on the government to reconcile regional diplomatic commitments with customary principles.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the PMO, Kiery Manassah, pointed out that the appointment was not a decision made by PM Napat because it was separate from the government.
“The government has never had any say in these appointments. It is a Melanesian institution with its own process,” the PRO said.
Meanwhile, the MSG does not specify any gender requirement for the position of DG of the organisation.
When there is a vacancy in the office, the MSG Secretariat invokes its recruitment process, beginning with the advertisement of the position, followed by shortlisting of candidates and the formal interview process.
Article 14 of the MSG Agreement states: “The Director General shall be appointed by the Leaders’ Summit under such terms and conditions as the Leaders may decide.”
SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST
