Historic Forum Empowers Women with Disabilities in Tanna

Mar 20, 2025 | News | 0

For the first time, women and girls with disabilities in Tanna, Vanuatu, have united in a historic forum aimed at strengthening their leadership and resilience in the face of climate change and disasters.

The event, held in Lownapkamim, Central Tanna, was organised under the Woman I Toktok Tugeta (WITTT) Sunshine network, marking a milestone for disability inclusion and advocacy.

WITTT Sunshine, the disability arm of the WITTT network, operates under ActionAid Vanuatu and is led by women and girls with disabilities.

The initiative amplifies their voices, recognises their leadership, and promotes economic independence through sustainable projects, particularly in climate resilience and disaster preparedness.

A total of 41 women and girls with disabilities from six area councils in Tanna participated in the forum. The event was made possible through support from the Pacific Women Lead programme under the Pacific Community (SPC), which funds initiatives promoting the leadership of Ni-Vanuatu women with disabilities in climate resilience and disaster response.

Ellen Tamata, WITTT Sunshine Inclusion Coordinator, played a key role in facilitating the forum. She emphasised the need for safe spaces where women with disabilities can share experiences, challenges, and aspirations.

“This platform allows us to showcase our leadership and independence,” Tamata said. “It is a safe space where our voices can be heard, where we can discuss the challenges we face and find ways to address them together.”

Discussions at the forum focused on economic empowerment through sustainable projects tailored to the unique needs of women with disabilities. One of the key outcomes was the decision to establish a honeybee farming project in Tanna.

The initiative aims to provide a sustainable source of income and serve as a model for disability-inclusive economic activities in the region.

“It’s the first time women with disabilities have come together to plan a project that directly benefits them,” Tamata said. “We discussed our challenges and chose a project that suits our abilities. We want something realistic that we can manage and turn into a business.”

Janet Iatiknu, WITTT Tanna Community Mobiliser and Woman Wetem Weta correspondent, commented on the importance of the forum.

“This is the first-ever forum specifically for women and girls with disabilities within the WITTT Sunshine network,” she said.

“We have 111 women with disabilities in our network, but due to accessibility challenges, only 41 could attend.”

Despite these challenges, the forum provided a platform for participants to share their experiences and strengthen their role in their communities. Many women, who had never attended formal education, found the discussions particularly beneficial, as facilitators ensured sessions were accessible and inclusive.

“For many of them, this was the first time leaving their comfort zones,” Iatiknu noted. “They felt safe to share personal experiences they had never spoken about before.

“It was a powerful and emotional moment.”

The forum also reinforced the partnership between WITTT Sunshine and the broader WITTT network, ensuring that women with disabilities are included in community development projects.

Looking ahead, the honeybee farming project in Tanna is expected to serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives on other islands. The project aligns with ActionAid Vanuatu’s broader mission to expand economic opportunities and leadership roles for women with disabilities.

“We are committed to ensuring that women with disabilities are not left behind,” Tamata said. “Through this forum, we have laid the foundation for greater inclusion, economic independence, and resilience against climate change and disasters.”

The success of this historic gathering marks a new chapter for women and girls with disabilities in Vanuatu, proving that with the right support, they can lead, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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