Georgina Ishmael – Sista Gat Style

Jun 7, 2023 | Sista Gat Style | 0

We’re halfway through 2023! And this month, we’re celebrating the very talented Georgina Ishmael!

If energy were a person, it would be Georgina. Originally from the island of Malekula she has tied the knot and is now a proud #WomanNguna. Vibrant, humorous, and charismatic, this dynamo girl proves that you can have it all as a business owner, a freelance photographer, a wife and a mother who still makes time for the things and people she loves.

She lives by the quote, “I shine from within so no one can dim my light”, to remind her of the power she holds to her own happiness and strength to achieve goals and overcome challenges.

#SistaGatStyle #WomanNguna #Mother #Wife #Photographer #Videographer

Name

Georgina Ishmael – but everyone calls me Gina

Age

29 years old

Where are you from?

My mum is from Pentecost and my dad is from Malekula but I am now married to my husband who’s from Nugna. So, I guess – in true Vanuatu fashion – I am now from Nugna.

Tell us about your family

My parents have two daughters, my little sister who is 8 years old and I. But I now have my own little family which consists of my lovely husband, Kalo Ishmael, and my beautiful daughter, who is my pride and joy, Trevina Ishmael.

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

I don’t really have any spare time. Working as a free lancer, while juggling family and mum duties can be challenging. So, I spend my free time with my daughter and my family. Most days I’m out working and there are days where I come home late so I spend most, if not all, of my free time with Trevina. I also try and make sure I rest too.

My hobbies include supporting my mum with her fabric business – it’s fun and a way for me to relax – watching movies and of course, netball! For those of you who know, I have been playing netball for a long time. I am currently part of the Impulse Services LTD netball club and I enjoy every bit of it – a big shout out to my team because so far we have won all our games!

What do you study? Do you work?

I was enrolled at the University of the South Pacific a few years ago but then dropped out because they didn’t offer any courses around photography and filming. This then led me into my free lancing journey. I used to work for NGO’s and other media companies as a photographer however, I decided to leave to start my own business which is, Starlight Photography.

What do you aspire to do in the future?

I want to branch out my business ideas. I have so many business ideas, for example I want to help start up a barber business with my husband. I basically want to start up other businesses that aren’t focused on my free lancing skills.

What is a quote you live by?

“I shine from within so no one can dim my light” – this quote has always encouraged and reminded me that I am the key to my own happiness. I know that anything I set my mind to, whether they’re personal/professional goals, or even challenges, I’ll be able to meet or overcome them.

How would you describe your style?

Casual and comfy. What I wear depends on how I feel and what feels comfortable. I will only dress up for an event but again it’s, strictly comfortable. I don’t wear anything that makes me feel uncomfortable or anything that doesn’t make me feel like me.

Why do you like fashion?

I’m not a big fashionista but I like fashion because it allows people to wear what they like and wear what they feel good in. And so for me, fashion is comfort.

Who influences your style?

Anyone, on social media or even on the streets of Port Vila, who wears an outfit that I can see myself in. I also think my husband has a big influence on my style, which may sound weird to some people, but before I leave the house I always ask him if I look good in my outfit or if the colours match, or if the trousers I’m wearing go with the blouse, etc. So shout out to Kalo for always giving me honest feedback with my outfits.

What beauty products do you use?

I’m a big fan of the Eau d’iles line, specifically the Lei Malo scent. I use their body oil and perfume.

Any fashion tips?

Wear what makes you feel comfortable. Don’t wear something because someone told you to, you should wear something that makes you feel comfy and confident.

What does being a strong woman mean to you?

Being a strong woman means chasing what you want in life while also being unapologetically yourself. A strong woman is independent but knows when they need to ask for help and is powerful yet kind. A strong woman values themselves and their privacy but knows when to open up about their feelings in order to find support.

What is one thing you wish you could tell your younger self?

Don’t worry about your future, what your heart longs for will definitely come. Enjoy every moment because another moment on earth is not guaranteed. Use the tools, skills and God given talent, to capture every moment you have with your loved ones because you will lose them along the way and the only thing you’ll have is those memories.

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Being a mother to my daughter and being a wife to my husband. This is truly one of my greatest accomplishments. I feel so fortunate to have an awesome husband who supports me to do what I love, who stands beside me, encourages me, and is always on my cheer team – thank you!

My second greatest accomplishment is using what I love, my talent and skills and making a living out of it. And overall, believing in myself.

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Photographer: Nya Films

Nails: Mesika’s Beauty

Assistants: Sharon Nicholls & Josepheen Tarianga

Location: Korman area

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This article was originally published in the June,2023 edition of the Vanuatu Daily Post’s Life and Style magazine.

We are proud partners with VDP and Sista’s time to implement this project which is covered by CARE Vanuatu.

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In Unity Our Advocacy Becomes a Chorus The women working to end violence in Vanuatu September 14, 2023
What comes to mind when you think of the Pacific? The rhetoric usually centres on happiness and holidays, cocktails by the beach and the cordial welcome received from locals wherever one may travel. The shout of Bula in Fiji, a Welkam in Vanuatu, or a Malo e lelei in Tonga. While that story does indeed ring true for many, there is another story that needs to be told: the work of an incredible cohort across the region working to combat, and end, all forms of violence against women. The Pacific region has some of the highest rates of violence against women in the world, with up to 68 percent of women having reported experiencing physical or sexual violence by a partner in their lifetime. This figure is more than twice the global average. Pacific Women Lead’s 2021 National Survey on Women’s Lives and Family Relationships evidenced amongst those women who have ever had an intimate sexual relationship with a partner in Vanuatu: 60 percent had experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime 68 percent had experienced emotional violence 28 percent were subjected to several forms of control by their partner 69 percent experienced at least one form of coercive control, and most of these were continuing to live lives involving physical and sexual violence Women are constantly at risk of violence and threats, regardless of where they are. Women are not safe on the streets, in their homes, at work, in places of study, places of worship, or places of recreation. Any small change is a step in the right direction The global Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls is a United Nations joint initiative supported by the European Union and other partners. The Spotlight Initiative in the Pacific focuses its work on four key pillars: Policy and legislation Institutions Prevention Data A comprehensive approach is being implemented within the Pacific nations through the targeting of multiple settings for change such as the education sector, government, churches, the justice sector, and civil society organisations (CSOs), and by working across a variety of levels of the socio-ecological model. UNDP’s support to Vanuatu via the Spotlight Initiative sees it working with small, grassroots organisations – making an impact from the ground up. Through the establishment of a grantee program, UNDP Pacific has undertaken a second phase and partnered with six grassroots organisations on empowering women in rural communities, initiating a range of activities that, in many cases, support service provision, innovative solutions and engagement activities that aim to provide information and basic services to those who otherwise lack access. These grants go a long way and have made significant impact thus far, with the program also identifying those grassroots organisations who have the capacity to engage communities nationwide in the provision of justice, health, and economic support services to survivors of intimate partner violence. However, in Vanuatu, it is a far greater challenge to change this deeply ingrained behaviour; it is the kind of change that requires more than the delivery of an awareness session in a small community, or within the nakamal, should deep, long-lasting behavioural change occur. The way we now frame the topic has completely changed And as a result, the narrative is now changing. For sustainable, long-term progress on ending violence against women, men, women, and children; young, old and those in between, all must unite in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). “The way we now frame the topic has completely changed, it’s no longer just a women’s problem. While the vast majority of perpetrators are men, if we want to make change, we need to realise that this can only be done via a whole-of-community approach,” said Dr. Astrid Kersten, Executive Director of Human Capacity Development International (HCDI). HCDI take a whole-of-community approach to their work, collaborating with village chiefs all the way through to younger members of the community. This approach sees a broad cross-section of voices and opinions accounted for, ensuring that through community buy-in the behaviour change work they undertake is sustainable in the long-term. As one of the recipient organisations (alongside their partner, Sista) to receive a grant via the Spotlight Initiative, HCDI and Sista focused on two key activities: The development of community resources to assist in community awareness development and collective action, related to reducing GBV; and To build on and promote the Stanap Strong website as a resource to support victims, families of victims, and the general population. HCDI and Sista are making inroads and inspiring change, no doubt, but Astrid still has moments of self-doubt as to just how much progress they are making on ending violence against women. “I do keep thinking, ‘is this really making a difference?’ It is still hard going, training and capacity building are still key right across Vanuatu, and we need continued support to help us beyond the Spotlight Initiative. “These grants may be small but with our work it doesn’t take a whole lot of money to ensure that we can have significant impact,” she said. 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VANGO Chairman Calls for NGO, CSO Registration Ahead of Mapping Exercise September 14, 2023
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Quai to Launch New EP Album and Raise Funds for Children’s Ward September 14, 2023
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Consultation on GBV Response Marks Progress in Gender Equality Policy September 11, 2023
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Vanuatu Introduces Provincial Disability Officers and Committees September 6, 2023
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Georgina Ishmael – Sista Gat Style

We’re halfway through 2023! And this month, we’re celebrating the very talented Georgina Ishmael!

She lives by the quote, “I shine from within so no one can dim my light”, to remind her of the power she holds to her own happiness and strength to achieve goals and overcome challenges.

#SistaGatStyle #WomanNguna #Mother #Wife #Photographer #Videographer

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 you live by?

How would you describe your style?

Why do you like fashion?

Who influences your style?

What beauty products do you use?

Any fashion tips?

What does being a strong woman mean to you?

What is one thing you wish you could tell your younger self?

What is your greatest accomplishment?

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Follow Sista

NEWS

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UMP’s Woman Trailblazer’s passing leaves vacuum: Vohor

Georgina Ishmael – Sista Gat Style

We’re halfway through 2023! And this month, we’re celebrating the very talented Georgina Ishmael!

She lives by the quote, “I shine from within so no one can dim my light”, to remind her of the power she holds to her own happiness and strength to achieve goals and overcome challenges.

#SistaGatStyle #WomanNguna #Mother #Wife #Photographer #Videographer

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 you live by?

How would you describe your style?

Why do you like fashion?

Who influences your style?

What beauty products do you use?

Any fashion tips?

What does being a strong woman mean to you?

What is one thing you wish you could tell your younger self?

What is your greatest accomplishment?

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UMP’s Woman Trailblazer’s passing leaves vacuum: Vohor