April Newsletter 2021

Jun 1, 2021 | Newsletters | 0

The month of April commemorated Sista’s 5^th birthday. The best gift was securing our long-term partnership with CARE International and celebrating our birthday with our supporters at our first ever ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun(damental Rights)’ SingSing Fundraiser.

The toughest part was saying goodbye to our beloved volunteer Katherine Bowden whose 3-month contract flew by. We know that this is a ‘see you later’ and not a goodbye! Thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge with the team, with compassion and kindness.

‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun(damental rights)’ SingSing Fundraiser

In January we began preparation for a major fundraiser but decided to scale it down after we could foresee successful grants and partnerships being secured in the year ahead. “Initially we were going to go big – a raffle, sit-down dinner and flashy musical show,” says Yasmine Bjornum, Executive Director of Sista. “But once we felt confident that funds were coming our way to support our work, it didn’t feel right to hold a fundraiser when the community could be putting their money into smaller initiatives that don’t have access to funding opportunities like we do.”

Instead Sista decided to hold a smaller fundraiser that involved an all-female singing line up at Seaside Retreat on and use this opportunity to celebrate our birthday with those who have supported us over the past 5 years. Thank you to everyone who came!

The event was successful but not without it’s challenges – as this was our first fundraiser with a young team, we underestimated how much it costs to actually set up a music event and how much work is required to set up an event. After paying expenses to cover the all-female singing line up and venue set up, we managed to raise 128,945vt. A huge thank you to all the talented singers who performed and to our sponsors: Computer World, Vancorp, First National Vanuatu, Jackie Galinie, Ck’s Rubbish Removals, Sam Store, Gaston Chocolat, Etam Vanuatu, Influence Bio Concept, Retreat Seaside Resort, Bar & Restaurant, Felixino Bule, Sun Productions Printers, Kwan Mann, Georges Cumbo, Christelle Thieffry.

Partnerships

On April 1^st 2021, Sista and CARE in Vanuatu signed a partnership agreement to work together as long term strategic allies in support of Gender Equality in Vanuatu. This includes support for Sista’s advocacy work and to implement a set of activities between March 2021 to June 2022, from three separate projects under the CARE ‘s Gender Equality Program, all supported by the Australian Aid Program. Thank you bigwan long CARE mo Australia blong sapot mo trust blong yufala!

Projects

Participatory Action Research (PAR) Training of Trainers

On April 12^th – 16^th, the Sista team went to Tanna to implement a Training of Trainers for a Participatory Action Research (PAR) with the CARE team, including their Community Facilitators. Over the next few months, the Sista and CARE in Vanuatu team will work with adolescent girls to ignite them on a journey of reflection and discovery they want to action. #Advocacy #SocialChange #ChallengeInequality

PAR is a component of the Vois Blong Mi (VBM) project, which is supported by the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Program’s Pacific Girl initiative. #AustralianAid

‘Sista Gat Style’ Life and Style magazine

This month we celebrated the beautiful Amandine Fogliani Naviti, hailing from Makira. A helper at Peter Pan school, Amandine says that her hobby is ‘listening to music and watching love stories and comedy’ In this shoot at the road along the way to the airport, you can see that Amandine is a confident young woman – Amandine is glowing and gorgeous.

Advocacy

“The Women of the Blue Pacific – Leading response and recovery in times of crisis.” Side Event, 14^th Triennial Conference of the Pacific Women

On Thursday 22^nd April, Sista’s Program Manager Irene Abbock participated in a side event for the 14th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women with the We Rise Coalition. The ‘Women of the Blue Pacific-Leading response and recovery in times of crisis’ session was about recognising and understanding the role of Pacific feminist movements. The session included sharing best practices and modality of response and recovery in the context of ongoing climate disasters. This panel discussion will highlight case studies, and lessons learnt in all the Triennial’s focus areas; Gender Based Violence, Economic Empowerment, Climate Justice.

Human Rights Inclusion for People of Diverse Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression (SOGIE) Advocacy event

On April 14th, the first ever Human Rights Inclusion for People of Diverse Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression (SOGIE) Advocacy event was held at the Melanesian Conference Room in Port Vila with over 50 high level policy makers and organisational representatives attending. Sista supported VPride to mobilize attendees for the event as well as assist with facilitation during the event, with the support of We Rise Coalition.

VPride’s Executive Director, Ms. Gigi Baxter quoted UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, saying “To those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, let me say: You are not alone. Your struggle for an end to violence and discrimination is a shared struggle. Any attack on you is an attack on the universal values the United Nations and I have sworn to defend and uphold. Today, I stand with you and I call upon all countries and people to stand with you, too”, and shared her hope that all those attending the event “will stand with us, supporting human rights inclusion for all”.

The United Nations Office of the High Commission for Human Rights (UNOHCHR) officially sponsored the event as part of its Born Free and Equal Campaign for diverse SOGIE inclusion. In addition to the UNOHCHR, the event was also sponsored by VPride, HCDI, Sista through the We Rise Coalition, Oxfam in Vanuatu, and Wan Smolbag.

Vanuatu Civil Society Consultation for 14^th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women

On April 21^st, Sista and CARE in Vanuatu held a pre-consultation workshop to provide space for young women to create a joint outcome statement to present to the government for the 14th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women. The consultation was a half-day session held at Seaside Retreat in Port Vila. The sessions aimed to provide an opportunity for young women to share their voices and collaborate to develop an outcome statement to contribute to 2021 Triennial discussions.

Sista and CARE in Vanuatu jointly hosted and facilitated the session, with funding support from DFAT and We Rise Coalition. Twenty-eight participants attended representing Sista, Solwata Sista, Vanuatu Cricket Association, Ntalpuk Ning Epang Faum (NNEFA), Gate Minds, CARE, CARE’s Young Women Leadership Program (including alumni) and CARE’s Girls Online Safety Project. You can view the outcome statement here: https://www.sistalibrary.com.vu/vanuatu-civil-society-consultation-in-preparation-for-the-14th-triennial-conference-on-pacific-women/

Ministry of Justice and Community Services

Sista is thrilled to hear that our justice system prevails! The Council of Ministers (COM) has revoked its decision to establish a Ministry of Fisheries, Ocean and Maritime Affairs. In it’s meeting early this month, COM instructed the Prime Minister’s Office to re-submit the paper following provisions of the Government Act.

The lawyer representing terminated Justice Director General Dorosday Watson Kenneth, Mark Hurley, said the judge has recorded that the government had revoked Council of Minister’s decision 179 of 2020. Mrs Watson was terminated as Director General of the Ministry when she challenged the decision of Council of Ministers. Mr Hurley said that Mrs Watson will now be awarded costs for bringing this proceeding which led to the government’s decision to revoke. Hurley said his client is entitled to file claims against the Public Service Commission on the basis of unjustified termination. He said he will claim for damages which is unfortunate as it will appear as waste of public resources and the loss of a long term civil servant. Hurley said the claims will be based on contractual entitlement and the Employment Act.

Sista will continue to monitor this space as we know it’s only the beginning of justice prevailing…

Planning and Preparation

‘Strong Mama’ Program

We have finally selected our 10 single mothers to participate in our ‘Strong Mama’ program. The program kicks off in June and it will be an exciting opportunity for single mothers to connect and create with each other.

Review of the Maintenance of Children Act

Sista liased with USP to organize law student volunteers to assist us with research and interviews for the Maintenance of Children Act, which is being funded through PPPAC under RRRT SPC. We have the pleasure of having Marisha Jones and Vepeta Tasi volunteering with us for two months. Their responsibility has been to collect key information from stakeholders in government and non-government sector. We also have Caroline Hughes who has been providing guidance to us to put the information together. We thank Caroline for contributing her time to us.

Besides key stakeholder interviews, we have also collected information from single mothers themselves by disseminating an online form to allow us to better understand the manner of proceedings and enforcement of the act. We will be validating our research and findings with a ‘Single Mama Storian’ in May.

Sista Fashion Show

Stay tuned…. we have an exciting partner we can’t wait to introduce!

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NEWS

Mind Care Unit Unveiled March 30, 2023
New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nanaia Mahuta, and Vanuatu’s Minister of Health, Marco Mahe, unveiled the Mind Care Unit Building yesterday at the Vila Central Hospital (VCH). The Mind Care Unit Building was refurbished in 2021 in response to damages caused by Tropical Cyclone (TC) Harold and to support the COVID – 19 responses. The Unit promoted the inclusive delivery of Mental Health Services to all, leaving no one behind. The refurbishment was funded by the Government of Aotearoa New Zealand. During the unveiling of the building, Minister Mahuta remarked on the longstanding relationship between New Zealand and Vanuatu. “I am here to continue the nature of that relationship, but to actually acknowledge Vanuatu’s leadership significantly on the issue of climate change,” she said. “When we think about this facility and support for mental health, we know that we need to do more, because it must be really difficult for many of our families living in villages. “Resilience is not just about mindset; resilience is a commitment to building on our relationship and building a better future for the people who live in such difficult circumstance.” She stated that the significance of the impact of climate change through cyclones and natural disasters on the people is something that must be addressed. “What a privilege it is for me to be here today and open this facility with Minister Mahe, and also the Mind Care team,” Minister Mahuta said. “I want to acknowledged the Pacific Medical Association team who are here today and the quick response for our Pacific neighbors.” According to Minister Mahe, New Zealand and Vanuatu have benefited from a great relationship from the past. “Today, I believe for the future we will have more fruitful outcome. For that, I would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest appreciation towards the Government of New Zealand for being always by Vanuatu side and always good friend to Vanuatu,” he said. “New Zealand has been a true friend of Vanuatu people, thank you for the help in the past and present, and the help that will come in the future. “It is a great honor for me today especially for Minister Mahuta to unveil the project that has been waited for long for the people of the Republic of Vanuatu.” He also said Vanuatu has been through two severe tropical cyclones that has brought the country down to its knees, however, having friends like New Zealand, has always helping Vanuatu get up on its feet. “Some fruitful partnership with New Zealand, in 2021 New Zealand provide support repairing infrastructure damage by tropical cyclone Harold that was badly damage the northern part of our country. New Zealand was there to help us rebuild our health facilities,” Minister Mahe said. “I would like to acknowledge the continues support from the government of New Zealand. New Zealand is also currently supporting our children in the Children’s Ward, and also during the COVID-19, New Zealand Government has help Vanuatu to address the crisis that have occurred globally. “I would like to welcome the Pacific Medical Association who will assist mental health and psychological support. They will be supporting the Ministry of Health’s response to TC Judy and Kevin.” The Mind Care Unit offers a range of mental health services including outpatient and inpatient alongside training for wider health center. ____________________________________________________________________________ SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Women call for Respect and Safety after harassment incidents at Bladinere March 29, 2023
Several women living in Port Vila have expressed their concerns over recent incidents that occurred in the Bladiniere area. One such incident involved a female resident who was harassed by young boys while walking on the road. Although the Vanuatu Police Force did not receive a report about the incident, a reconciliation ceremony was held in Bladiniere last Sunday to address it. During the ceremony, a spokesperson warned the boys that they would face serious consequences if they continued to harass women. However, local women remain frustrated and are calling on young boys to respect women as they would their own family members. One woman who preferred to remain anonymous said blaming the victim is not the solution and that women should not have to feel unsafe when walking alone. She suggested that authorities should consider the number of jobless and out-of-school individuals during the national census and move them back to their native islands. Hanna Paul, who lives in Bladiniere, emphasised the need for young unemployed boys to respect women. She reminded them that they were born to a woman and asked them how they would feel if their sister or mother were treated poorly. Paul also called on parents to teach their children the value of respecting others. Rita Alick, another concerned woman, expressed her disappointment with the current system of reconciliation, which involves a simple exchange of apologies and gifts. She suggested that the police should take stricter measures, such as beating or locking up the young boys, to teach them a lesson. Women are demanding respect and calling for more effective solutions to address the issue of harassment in their community. Parents and authorities alike have a role to play in teaching young boys the importance of treating women with respect and dignity. ____________________________________________________________________________ SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Exciting Opportunity for Women Sports Journalists in the Pacific March 28, 2023
Twenty-four women sports journalists and sportswomen from across the Pacific and Asia are being offered commentary and mobile journalism training, and the chance to work at the Women’s World Cup in Australia in July. There has been a flurry of applications from across the Pacific region including Vanuatu as confirmed by the coordinators. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s International Development unit (ABCID) has partnered with the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) to provide a program that develops skills and provides opportunities to women in sports media. It’s believed to be the first time such a large-scale journalism training and development program has been implemented in conjunction with such a major sporting event. ABCID Programme Coordinator, Jo Elsom, said: “We are seeking expressions of interest from journalists and sports analysts in American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tonga, Vanuatu and Vietnam.” The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the quadrennial international women’s association football championship contested by women’s national teams and organised by FIFA. The tournament will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, and is scheduled to take place from July 20 to August 20. It will be the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to have more than one host nation, and also the first senior World Cup for either sex to be held across multiple confederations, as Australia is in the Asian Confederation while New Zealand is in the Oceania Confederation. ______________________________________________________________________________ SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Gov’t to Pay VT34 Million after Baseless Termination March 24, 2023
The Supreme Court in Port Vila has ordered the Government of Vanuatu, through the Public Service Commission (PSC), to pay the outstanding entitlements of VT34,102,451 to the former Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Justice and Community Services (MOJCS), Dorosday Kenneth Watson, for unjustified termination. In the verdict, Supreme Court Judge Viran Molisa Trief said that the judgment is entered for the Claimant in Civil Case No.21/3889, Mrs. Watson, and the Defendant is the PSC. Justice Trief awarded her a four times multiplier of her severance allowance in terms of the Employment Act in the sum of VT16,591,744. She ordered that the Defendant pay the claimant the following outstanding entitlements and the four times multiplier of the severance allowance in the total sum of VT34,102,451. The entitlements include her remaining salary of VT8,908,720; salary increment of VT591,318; annual leave of VT513,450; accommodation of VT920,000 and establishment allowance of VT40,000; Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF) contributions of VT830,202; other expenses of VT57,407; three months notice of VT1,051,674; and severance allowance of VT4,237,936. Justice Trief ordered that the interest is to be paid on the judgment sum at the rate of 5% per annum from March 18, 2021, until fully paid, and the costs must follow the event. She also ordered that the Defendant is to pay the Claimant’s costs on the standard basis as agreed or taxed by the Master. Once set, the costs are to be paid within 21 days. Mrs. Watson as the first female DG of the country was appointed by PSC as the DG to the MOJCS for a term of four years. She had served in the public service since 1987 and had served as Director of the Department of Fisheries, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Director of the Department of Women’s Affairs. In November 2018, she signed a contract with PSC to become the DG to the MOJCS. On July 30, 2020, in his official speech to mark the 40th independence anniversary, then Prime Minister Bob Loughman announced that one of the government priorities was to create a new Ministry of Fisheries, Ocean and Maritime Affairs. On November 15, 2020, the Council of Ministers (COM) approved, during its meeting at Lakatoro on Malekula, the restructuring of the MOJCS into a Ministry of Fisheries, Ocean, and Maritime Affairs. On November 27, 2020, Mrs. Watson sought and obtained orders staying the decision of COM. On December 1, then Minister of Justice and Community Services, Esmon Saimon, lodged a complaint about Mrs. Watson to the PSC, accusing her of rebelling and working against the government. Following the complaints of the minister, PSC terminated Mrs. Watson’s contract, but she challenged it in court on the basis of unjustified termination, and the court granted her application. Mrs. Watson was represented in court by Mr. Mark Hurley of Hurley Lawyers. Justice Trief delivered her verdict on Mrs. Watson’s case on March 17, 2023. __________________________________________________________________________ SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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MCH services to resume tomorrow March 14, 2023
The Mother and Child Health (MCH) Unit in Port Vila is set to resume services tomorrow, Wednesday, following the suspension of operations due to damages caused by Tropical Cyclone (TC) Kevin. The SHEFA Health Office has issued a statement to inform the public, especially mothers, of the reopening of the unit and the resumption of its services. The MCH Unit is a vital facility in Port Vila, providing essential health services to women and their babies. Temporary works were done to ensure the MCH Unit was prepared to resume its vital services and provide much-needed support to mothers and children in the community. The SHEFA Health office reports that additional measures have been taken, including identifying an alternate space for mothers and babies to use on rainy days. Works to repair the building will be ongoing. The office has also urged all mothers to continue to prioritize their health and their children’s health and to use the services provided by the MCH Unit. _______________________________________________________________________ SOURCE: Vanuatu Daily Post

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