Epau Mamas Chicken Farm empowers women, strengthens local economy

Aug 13, 2024 | Initiatives and Projects, News | 0

The “Epau Mamas Chicken Farming” project, led by a group of over 100 women, is a testament to the power of grassroots collaboration and women’s economic empowerment.

This initiative, which stretches from Rentapao to Matarisu, has not only provided a sustainable livelihood but has also become a beacon of hope and resilience for the women involved.

The Livelihood Coordinator for ActionAid Vanuatu Lizzie Moli, reflects on the journey, highlighting the collective efforts that brought this project to life. “We began with consultations, engaging with more than 100 women across East Efate,” she recalled.

“It was essential to build a consensus among the women, and after that, they engaged in negotiations with the chiefs of Eton, Epau, and Pangpang to secure land for the project.”

The turning point came when the chief of Epau generously offered a piece of land for the women to use, this land is now the home of the Epau Mamas Chicken Farming project, a thriving poultry farm that has become a symbol of women’s economic participation in the region.

The project is closely aligned with the government’s 1 Million Chicken Initiative,” implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries, and Biosecurity (MALFFB) under the Livestock Department.

The farm received its first batch of 514 layer chicks, followed by another 200, along with essential equipment like imported feeders, today, the farm produces between 28 to 30 trays of eggs per week, supplying local shops on Efate, Port Vila, East Efate, and even expanding to Emae Island.

The journey has not been without its challenges. However, with continued support from the government and other partners, the project has flourished.

Last month, the farm acquired a solar water pump, ensuring a consistent water supply not only for the chickens but also for nearby residents. This has further solidified the farm’s role as an essential economic hub in the community.

Moli commented on the broader impact of this initiative, particularly through ActionAid Vanuatu’s platform, “Women I TokTok Tugeta” (WITTT).

“This platform, owned and operated by Ni-Vanuatu women, spans across five islands and is expanding to seven, it focuses on promoting women’s leadership, economic recovery, and resilience,” she explained.

“We want to see changes in the power dynamics that women hold before, during, and after disasters, the goal is to empower women to contribute to food security and not rely solely on men to provide for their families.

“ActionAid Vanuatu is grateful for the support we receive from the Australian Government, which helps during emergencies and in strengthening these community initiatives.”

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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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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