June Newsletter 2023

Aug 18, 2023 | Newsletters | 0

#PrideMonth was filled with learning, celebrating little wins and levelling up at Sista!

We started the month with our online media campaign with Vpride! The communications team shared several excerpts, across the month of June, from one of Vpride’s resources. This campaign was to help spread awareness on the work they are doing in Vanuatu, while also supporting the #HumanRightsForAll notion.

On our platforms we also celebrated International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on 19^th June, International Yoga Day on 21^st June and International day of Women in Diplomacy on 24^th June!

Later in the month, Sista’s Executive Director travelled to Melbourne for the Women Deliver Oceanic Pacific convening on Wurundjeri Country in Melbourne, Australia.This event provided an opportunity to determine the regional priorities we want to take to Women Deliver 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda next month!

Sista’s Project Coordinator and Communications & Advocacy officer also flew to Fiji to attend an important Regional Training with Fiji Women’s Rights Movement. It was a one-week training where they both learnt a lot from the other participants.

The Projects team continued with our Strong Mama Program where the participants had two meaningful sessions around the importance of physical and nutritional well-being with Annanda Yoga.

The Balance of Power Projects team at Sista powered through the many interviews with the different women candidates for the second edition of the Nation Builders booklet.

And finally, we celebrated little wins like setting up Sista’s Board of Directors and the installation of a brand new air conditioner!

Projects

Georgina Ishmael – Sista Gat Style, Vanuatu Daily Post

We’re halfway through 2023! And in June, 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

Women in Leadership Film in partnership with HCDI and We Rise Coaltion

On Friday 2nd June 2023, Sista in partnership with Human Capacity Development International (HCDI) and the We Rise Coalition, made the official in-person launch of, “Women Hold up Half the Sky” at Alliance française de Port-Vila!

Women Hold up Half the Sky is a video that highlights the journey of 3 women Municipal Councilors; Marie Louise Carcasses, Melanie Shem and Anthea Arukole.

Their journey’s showcase the importance of equal representation of women in Vanuatu politics, honors the accomplishments of the women that came before them, and paves the road for many more to come after them.

We are grateful for the willingness of Anthea, Marie Louise and Melanie to share their journey. We are also grateful to MP Gloria King for her support of this project by providing both an opening and a closing speech in the video.

Watch the FULL film Here!

Balance of Power – Nation Builders II: Celebrating Women in the Private Sector

This month, the Project team continued carrying out interviews with the women who have been selected to be featured in the second edition of Nation Builders.

There were 12 women altogether who were interviewed and photographed in June. This was followed by sending the audio recordings to be transcribed and then onto the writers to creatively put these women’s stories together.

Later on 16^th June 2023, Sista’s Project Coordinator and the Team leader for this particular project, met with Telstar Jimmy from Balance of Power (BOP) to brief each other on the status of the project and identify steps forward to overcome the challenges of the workplan.

It has been quite challenging for Sista and the Project team to schedule interviews with the women as everything is planned according to their availability and busy schedules.

Project Team Leader, Winona Kalpukai interviewing one of the women

Strong Mama Program supported by FRIDA Fund – Sessions with Annanda Yoga

On 17^th and 24^th June 2023, the participants from the Strong Mama Program carried out two sessions of Mediation, Yoga and Nutrition workshops with Annanda Yoga.

We collaborated with Penpena Mourie, a local NGO targeted at supporting single mothers, to lead and organise these sessions. Sista supported the initiative in terms of logistics, transport and securing participants.

Sikmun Storian supported by Ambassade de France

The Young Women’s Leadership Program (YWLP) Alumni continued collecting stories from different women living in Port Vila, to capture their stories on when they got their first period, and how it’s changed from back then to today. A lot of their time this month was spent identifying the women to be profiled, scheduling and conducting the interviews.

On 30^th June 2023, the Project Coordinator met with Umi Nompavos, who is designing the Sikmun Storian booklet, to speak more about what the design should look like and other details including the timeframe.

We’re so excited to see this booklet come together and can’t wait to share it with you all!

Design of internship and mentorship component Young Women’s Leadership Program (YWLP) – CARE
The ED has been re-designing the internship and mentorship component of the YWLP for the next phase of YWLP, after the many learnings from the previous cohorts. We are so excited to roll this out in August and can’t wait to see more women experiencing the workforce!

Social Media Campaign with VPride

This month Sista stands with VPride to celebrate Pride Month!

The communications team at Sista collaborated with VPride to share excerpts from the organisations resource, SOGIE: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, to help spread awareness on the work that they do.

Pride Month was an opportunity to educate the community and champion equitable treatment for all SOGIE diverse people in Vanuatu.

#HumanRightsForAll

Other News

Fiji Women’s Rights Movement Regional Training

Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM) Regional Workshop was supported by the Australian Government through the We Rise Coalition. The training started on Monday 5 June and ended on Friday 9 June 2023.

The regional training was designed in two parts. The first part focused on understanding Gender Analysis and Gender Analysis of National Budgets. The second part focused more on how to contribute to a Safer Workplace: Combatting Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.

Sista’s Project Coordinator and Communication and Advocacy officer attended the training on behalf of Sista, and Vanuatu. The training was very educational and informative. Listening and participating in group discussions and presentations enabled participants to learn from each other’s experiences, knowledge, and real stories.

Women Deliver Conference, Melbourne – We Rise Coalition

The Women Deliver Oceanic Pacific convening from 6 to 7 June 2023 on Wurundjeri Country in Melbourne, Australia, gathered 360 people, inclusive of Women Deliver Oceanic Pacific Regional Committee Members, government representatives, gender equality sector and women’s organisations, civil society activists and other stakeholders from philanthropy, business and academia. This convening followed the first event in Fiji held on 11 and 12 May, and the ED of Sista had the pleasure of attending both.

These events provided an opportunity to determine the regional priorities we want to take to Women Deliver 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda from 17-20 July 2023. This includes: climate justice, decolonisation, women’s leadership and representation, resourcing for women’s rights, care work and economic justice, GBV, SRHR, backlash, intersectionality, cultural self determination, indigenous solidarity and gender data and evidence.

Visit to IWDA Office, Melbourne – We Rise Coalition

After the Melbourne convening for WDC, the ED visited the office of our partner, the International Women’s Development Agency, on the 8th and 9^th of June. This was an opportunity to discuss our activities and budget for the next financial year with other partners within the We Rise Coalition. Thank you IWDA for warmly welcoming us and always being our ‘big sister.’

Referral Pathway Training – Child’s Desk, Ministry of Justice and Community Services

The ED briefly attended the referral pathway training on 28^th June led by the Ministry of Justice and Community Services at the Vanuatu Christian Council centre.

Meeting with Department of Women’s Affairs

The ED met with Acting Director Seman and Communications Officer Heather at the Department of Women’s Affairs on 14^th June to share our work and to discuss engagement with other projects in the year to come. We are looking forward to continuing to build our relationship with DWA.

Situational Analysis, Feminist Movement – Pacific Women Lead

The ED took part in an interview on June 15^th with Michelle Reddy who has been working with Virisila Buadromo to develop a thematic situational analysis for Pacific Women Lead Enabling Services. This will inform broader work for women’s funds in the region and will support better understanding the current state of play for the Pacific feminist movement as it relates to Pacific Women Lead, with a focus on how connected the feminist movement is, the depth of the movement, and how often feminist expertise is drawn upon by Pacific partners.

Attendance to meet Australian Governor General – Australian High Commission, Vanuatu

The ED and her spouse attended an Official Reception to meet the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley & Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley. This was held on 28^th June at the private residence of the Australian High Commissioner and included a performance by the Nabanga Ensemble Orchestra Band and Yosh Shing & Band.

Gate Minds Documentary and Music Video Launch

On Tuesday 20th June, Sista attended the official launch of Gate Minds short documentary and music video that explores the role of gendered stereotypes and the impacts of prejudice against people from different backgrounds.

Both films were based on key messages from the Narrative Workshop which was held and organised by Gate Minds earlier this year.

Congratulations Gate Minds for launching these powerful videos, and to MATAKAMBU for the production! Visit Gate Minds Facebook to WATCH both videos.

Sista Board Meeting

On 22^nd June Sista held a meeting with its board of directors at Mangoes Resort from 12pm – 2pm. The purpose of the meeting was to conduct board nominations and identify other key priorities for the future such as establishing board meeting frequency, reviewing and updating Sista’s constitution, overseeing the final vision and mission of Sista, and input into strategic direction. We would like to congratulate our new co-chairs – Polly Walker and Johnlyn Regenvanu, secretary Dawn Reuben, treasurer Junior Pikoune and members Stephanie Mahuk, Anna Naupa and Yasmine Bjornum. We look forward to this journey ahead together under your wisdom and leadership!

FRIDA Fund Grant

Sista applied for an additional grant and a risk reserve grant through the Frida Fund in May and this request was granted in June, followed by a contribution agreement signed on the 16^th of June 2023 by Sista and FRIDA. Sista received the funds on the 30^th of June.

A big thank you to FRIDA for the trust and this continuous partnership!

End of Financial Year – We Rise Coaltion

This month is also the end of Sista’s financial year with We Rise. We have grown and learnt a lot during this financial year. The finance team would like to acknowledge and thank our amazing finance consultant, Marilou Cajot, for her support and assistance on helping us strengthen Sista’s finance system. And a big thank you to IWDA’s finance team for their amazing work on putting together our new budget and work plan for the next financial year. We really appreciate your support and hard work on this.

New Air Conditioner

The finance and admin team reached out to Electrocool Services to install an Air Conditioner in Sista’s Executive Director’s office. This was a long-time wish that has finally been made possible thanks to our partner and donor, We Rise Coalition.

Vanuatu Feminist Library

The Vanuatu Feminist Library (VFL) received exciting donations from Dominique Seagoe and Anna Naupa!

Dominique donated two French books: “Guide des Droits des Femmes et de la Famille”, and “Pierre noire” (Black Stone) poems by Grace Mera Molisa. And Anna donated, “Young Women Speak: A report on the young women, beauty and self-image” by Vanuatu Young People’s Project.

We are super excited to add these books to the current colourful collection in the VFL, which Sista is proud to host on behalf of its founder Stephanie Ephraim Lekal!

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NEWS

Mother shares premature birth experience during COVID-19 November 20, 2023
As part of the commemoration of the 2023 Prematurity Day in Port Vila yesterday, Miss Debbie Melsul, the mother of a premature baby shared her experience about her tough journey as a parent of a baby born during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2022. The baby came early at just 32 weeks, weighing only 0.89 grams. She shared how they had to be separated because of COVID-19, making it a challenging time. The baby had to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and the mother had to wait at home until she tested negative for COVID-19 before she could see her child again after a week. For eight weeks in the NICU, “it was hard and challenging. I was flooded with thoughts of what I could have done as a preemie mum to prevent this. I was terrified. I cried for my son. I’m sure other mothers present today had felt the same thing,” she shared. Ms Melsul continued, “I cried seeing my son had tubes all over him. I was anxious. It was a roller coaster experience. Some days you think everything is going well, and the others, there may be complications.” The journey had its share of problems like an infection in the baby’s umbilical cord, which lasted for a week, and trouble with feeding. But the mom stayed strong. She stayed at the NICU, where days became weeks, which turned into months. Melsul said she and other preemie mothers had to wake up every three hours to feed their babies. She found comfort in a special kind of care called kangaroo care, commonly known as skin-to-skin care, where she held her baby close against her skin. “I found myself singing to my son during kangaroo care. Talking, laughing, and above all, feeling his heartbeat against my chest. That was all that mattered during my journey,” she said. Even when things got tough, a team of doctors and nurses, were supportive. She acknowledged that teamwork was displayed by a dynamic team of nurses and doctors working together and looking after their babies. The mom is thankful for their hard work and also appreciates the help from her family. Her son is currently one year and eight months old, wearing extra-large diapers, and weighs over 17 kilograms. Ms Melsul expressed her utmost gratitude to the nurses and doctors. The mother’s message to others in similar situations is full of hope. “To mothers out there going through the same situation, you will get through this. Those little humans are fearless fighters. The courage and strength that a tiny little human holds is phenomenal and amazing. Just as the banners read, ‘Small actions, big impact’. For each day that passes, be optimistic. Be faithful in the small things. “Believe in small actions of care provided to our little humans, because that makes progress.” A young father who is also a first-time father, also shared his experience of having premature twin-baby girls. The twins were discharged from the hospital on Thursday this week. Junior Pakoa mentioned that he learned a lot from the experienced nurses in the NICU. According to Pakoa, his babies spent three weeks at the NICU before they left for home. He said it was a challenging time because one of the twins was really sick. The young father stood by his partner, the mother of the babies, and together they took care of their little ones. He pointed out how important it is for both parents to be there for their newborns. He also thanked the nurses and doctors who supported them during their stay at the NICU. ________________________________________________________ SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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1,816 sign petition as effort to end political instability November 17, 2023
Over 1,816 citizens representing different sectors and voices, going under the Movement Red, have signed a petition urging parliamentarians to urgently discuss and pass Bills addressing political integrity. Yesterday 164 people took to the streets with signs expressing concerns about instability, with messages like “Stopem Instabiliti tede”, “Stop the Nonsense”, “Tede yu kosem instabiliti, tumoro mi vot”, “Yumi Taet” and “We deserve better”. The petition reflects the worries of Vanuatu’s people about ongoing political instability, especially important post-cyclone recovery. The petition reads; “Political instability is disrupting Vanuatu’s development and service delivery to our communities across all islands. It fuels policy inconsistencies, interrupts development projects, hinders economic development and planning, discourages foreign investment, affects employment opportunities, and wastes the Vanuatu Government’s limited funds. “Political instability reduces confidence in national leadership, divides communities, and diverts resources away from essential services: healthcare, education, infrastructure, social welfare and emergency relief efforts. Political instability harms Vanuatu’s international reputation and credibility. “Achieving the goals of the National Sustainable Development Plan 2016-2030 is essential for our nation’s development and prosperity. Vanuatu needs to ensure that no one is left behind, but political instability hinders this path for us all. “The package of Bills in support of enhanced political integrity in Vanuatu is an important foundation for fostering a stable, transparent, and accountable political system that facilitates our country’s sustainable development objectives. “We, undersigned, concerned voters of the Republic of Vanuatu call upon Parliament to re-table and prioritize the implementation of the political integrity Bills and legal reforms as listed for the Second Ordinary Session of Parliament for 2023: Bill for the Political Parties Registration Act of 2023, Bill for the Electoral Act of 2023, Bill for the Decentralization (Amendment) Act of 2023, Bill for the Municipalities (Amendment) Act of 2023, Bill for the Referendum Act of 2023, Bill for the Right to Information (Amendment) Act of 2023, Bill for the Charitable Associations (Incorporations) (Amendment) Act of 2023.” In response, Prime Minister (PM) Charlot Salwai commended the citizens for delivering the petition personally, emphasising the importance of the Parliament as the place where laws are passed. He thanked the protesters for their efforts and stressed that elections are everyone’s responsibility, urging citizens, chiefs, churches, and women leaders to contribute to peace and stability. PM Salwai acknowledged the challenge of increased candidates and population, leading to competition and division. Political instability affects development, diverting attention from the government’s role. He noted that despite listing important bills in the recent Ordinary Session, they were withdrawn due to a lack of support. The inability of the 52 MPs to work together led to the recommendation by the Council of Ministers (COM) to the Head of State to dissolve Parliament. Salwai admitted that that the approach taken by the Head of State reflected the culture and traditional values, Christian values on which the country is founded which led to the withdrawal of the Motion of No Confidence in him as the PM. The head of the government stressed the MPs’ responsibility to debate and pass these important Bills. Non-compliance with the Political Registration Bill will have consequences. He further noted that the government’s commitment to stability and legislative amendments if necessary. He urged voters to choose candidates based on vision rather than “pots and rice”, emphasising the duty of everyone to vote for the right people. The Minister of Climate Change who also serves as the President of Graon mo Jastis Pati (GJP) Ralph Regenvanu and Andrew Napuat, Tanna’s GJP MP were also present to receive the petition. _____________________________________________________________ SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Ni-Vanuatu Women’s voices echo far at 3rd regional Community-Based Fisheries Dialogue November 16, 2023
Mrs. Rose Jimmy (left) and Mrs. Leisavi Joel during their Talanoa session yesterday. Photo: VFD Representatives from community groups and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from across the region, gathered in Nouméa to take part in the 3rd regional Community-Based Fisheries Dialogue on November 14-15, 2023. This occurred as part the 6th Regional Technical Meeting on Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture (RTMCFA), hosted by the Pacific Community (SPC). The dialogue provides a space for communities from across the region to share their views on issues relating to their coastal fisheries. During the second day of this meeting, Mrs. Leisavi Joel and Mrs. Rose Jimmy from the Havana Tasivanua Environment and Climate Action Network held a ‘Talanoa’ (shared their experience) session in front of an audience of over 100 participants from the Pacific. Mrs. Joel and Mrs. Jimmy were part of a special session organised by SPC and the University of Wollongong that discussed the importance of including voices from women alongside men in Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM). The growing collaboration between the Vanuatu Fisheries Department (VFD) and Vanua-Tai Resource Monitors Network was critical to making their participation possible. Following a panel of four speakers from Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia, Mrs. Joel shared, with passion and emotion, her personal experience and journey as a woman representative from her community working on sustainable fisheries management. “It is hard work for a woman to be actively involved in a male dominated area in the community, when it comes down to decision-making in our community, at the end of the day we have to look at the chief for his support,” she said. In regard to getting recognition from the community leaders, she added, “Sometimes the chief just sees us as a sister, aunty, mother or grandmother and nothing more, even though I am involved actively with our coastal and environmental activities inside the community.” Mrs. Joel and Mrs. Jimmy are the first women to hold a ‘Talanoa’ session during such a regional meeting and were widely appreciated. The session has demonstrated its value as a way to bring community voices to the regional leaders in coastal fisheries. The duo continued to actively participate during the 2-day discussion and want their experiences to set an example for other women in Vanuatu to become active members of CBFM committees in their community, with the support of men leaders. ________________________________________________________ SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Civil Society organises protest against political instability November 14, 2023
Concerned citizens representing the civil society in Vanuatu, going under the name “Movement Red,” are planning to stage a protest this Thursday to voice their concerns about the ongoing political instability in the country. The Vanuatu Christian Council (VCC) and chiefs have also expressed their support for this initiative. Residents who want to be part of this stand are encouraged to wear anything red this week to show their support towards this call. Citizens living overseas have been rallying behind this call, offering their support. They clarified that their aim is not to support or oppose the dissolution of the government, instead to put an end to political instability. They have initiated a petition urging the public to join them in discouraging instability and demanding a more stable political environment. The petition is not directed against any specific leader, political party, or supporter of Members of Parliament; it is a collective effort to advocate for stability, recognising the widespread impact of instability on everyone. As part of the civil society, the Movement Red representatives met with the Head of State over the weekend, who expressed support for their cause. A Facebook page, The “Voes Blong Yumi” has become a hub for discussions and frustrations, reflecting how political instability has personally affected citizens and their communities. A statement issued by the movement, stated, “It is imperative to prioritise the rehabilitation and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Lola, ensuring that the affected communities receive the necessary support. “Through these concentrated efforts, Vanuatu can pave the way for a brighter future with influential young leaders, demanding, and promoting stability, prosperity, and a better quality of life for its people and children.” _________________________________________________ SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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174 seasonal workers blacklisted November 6, 2023
Vanuatu’s Department of Labour (DoL) has revealed that they receive weekly complaints from the families of seasonal workers, particularly partners who request that their spouses be placed on the DoL’s blacklist for engaging in extramarital affairs. This year alone, the total number of Vanuatu workers blacklisted overseas has risen to 174, including seasonal workers from both Australia and New Zealand. Senior Labour Mobility Officer of Policy, Welfare and Compliance, Minnie Bani, reminds all seasonal workers that their overseas journey is intended for family purposes and not for personal endeavors. “Even if you are single, it’s your father and mother who sent you, not for you to go and disengage from the program,” Mrs. Bani stressed. “The family journey is the primary reason, and the family also includes children. Most of them have seemingly forgotten their children, and they do not know the pressure on the children when there is a conflict in the relationship.” She confirmed the DoL has encountered numerous spouses coming forward with their children in tears, seeking assistance with issues they have with their husbands. However, they expressed their limitations, stating they are not licensed counsellors. She further stated that the Department has introduced an initiative known as the “Community of Care Model,” created by the Australian Government for Vanuatu seasonal workers. This model involves team leaders, employers, and country liaison officers to assist the workers. They also aim to establish a referral pathway, similar to what the Department of Women is doing, to finalise the protocol of a safety net. “In cases of gender-based violence or traumatised children needing counseling, the Department of Labour acts as a vital point of contact. They guide individuals on where to seek counselling,” Mrs. Bani stated. The Senior Labour Mobility Officer mentioned that another goal of the DoL is to provide an actual counselling service. They have identified ADRA Vanuatu’s “Blossom Project,” which focuses on family life education covering topics such as reproductive health, incest, and domestic violence, as a potential resource. According to the Department of Pacific Affairs, reasons for blacklisting can vary, including alcohol abuse, property damage, personality differences, and power struggles between workers and their employers or supervisors. Some cases involve supervisors using power dynamics to threaten workers, leading to blacklisting. However, Mrs. Bani said the most common reason for blacklisting Vanuatu workers is alcohol consumption, which result in fighting, car accidents, and other alcohol-related behaviors. The Department of Pacific Affairs clarifies that blacklisting serves as a punitive measure against workers who violate program rules or exhibit inappropriate behavior. While some cases are justified, there are instances where workers are blacklisted without clear evidence of wrongdoing. The Department of Pacific Affairs further reported the issue of blacklisting affects employers and labour sending units as well. When workers are blacklisted from one program, they may attempt to enter another. “There is a trend of long-term workers being blacklisted, raising questions about whether complacency, multiple visits, or other factors contribute to this issue. It is important to understand and address the underlying reasons behind blacklisting,” the Department of Pacific Affairs reported. The DoL adds that since the scheme’s primary goal is to help individuals economically, a worker placed on Australia’s blacklist may have the opportunity to migrate to New Zealand. However, they may be subject to a two-to five-year stand-down period first. ______________________________________________________________________ SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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