Lily Joel Mawa – Sista Gat Style

Apr 21, 2022 | Sista Gat Style | 0

Inspector Lily Joel Mawa is a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from the tiny island of Epi, Lily has traveled the world and has enjoyed seeing new places and people. A woman devoted to the service of her country, this is Lily’s 29th year of being in the Police Force. A proud single mama and a sewing and baking enthusiast, Lily has dreams of starting up a cooking and sewing business one day as a way to support single mothers. Lily lives by the quote “Persistence is the key to success” and lives each day giving the best of herself, whether it’s to her children, her service as a police woman or to her own self. Lily believes in never putting yourself down and to always believe in yourself.

#IslandQueen #Epi #PoliceWoman #MamaOfFive #LoverOfLife

Name:

Lily Joel Mawa

Age:

Where are you from?

I came from a small island at Epi Island called Lamen.

Tell us about your family?

I am a single mother with 5 children (4 boys & 1 girl). I bought us some land at Holen Fresh and that’s where we are living right now. The eldest one has finished from Agriculture College and is doing farming but due to this pandemic, he is now preparing to travel as a RSE worker. The second one is at RSE and the third one is a Police Officer. Only the two youngest ones who are still in secondary school in which I am paying for their school fees.

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

I love to sew and bake.

Do you work?

I joined the force at 18 years old right after highschool in 1993. This year marks 29 years of my service at the Vanuatu Police Force. I went in as a new recruit for 6 months and had a 2 year probation before becoming an official Police officer. During my probation I spent 3 years at general duties and was posted at the criminal Investigation department and have been there since. At first, the crime prevention unit was under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) department, so I was attached to the crime prevention unit, forensic, but mostly at the Family Protection unit.

What do you aspire to do in the future?

I live to help others. In the work that I do, I deal with domestic violence and sexual abuse. I take care of victims who come in to report their cases. In the future I aspire to start my own sewing and cooking business to help women who are victims that want to leave a violent partner but are afraid to leave due to financial reasons. I am hoping this business will give them a way out by providing work and income for them and their children. For now, I can only help them through my work at the force.

What is a quote that you live by?

“Persistence is the key to success.” – Unknown

This is perfect for when you have a goal and you are working towards it to achieve it.

How would you describe your style? Why do you like fashion?

My style is what I like to call island style. I have never really been into beauty and fashion but I like that women and girls can use it to express themselves.

Who influences your style?

I grew up in a Christian household so I have always had a simple and island style.

Dress by Eliane Thomas

What beauty products do you use?

I love using Red Door products, perfume and lotion mostly.

Any fashion tips?

Be yourself. I noticed technology has people trying to copy fashion styles from other countries. It is better to use one’s own style than copying others.

Dress by Eliane Thomas

What are three words you would use to describe yourself?

Patient, courageous and brave.

What does being a Ni-Vanuatu mean to you?

I have traveled to parts of the world far from home like Iran, Egypt, South Africa and Sudan. While traveling, I noticed that people were impressed with the fact that we Ni-Vanuatu speak multiple languages such as English, French as well as Bislama and our various mother tongues. That made me proud to be a Ni-Vanuatu.

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

As someone who did a lot of traveling in my youth thanks to my job, what I would tell my younger self is that there is a time and opportunity for everything. You will get what you want when you have worked to achieve it. Never think you cannot do what is normally seen as a man’s job, I am proof that is not true. Do not put yourself down, be yourself and you CAN do it!

Why did you want to become a Police officer and particularly in the family protection Unit?

I read the book ‘Nancy Drew’ when I was in highschool. The book was about a young female detective solving mysteries. That was where my interest in becoming a police officer began, and I made it a reality! I wanted to become a police officer because I like to help other people. Working in the Family Protection unit, helping victims of domestic violence because I was once one of them, I know what that feels like.

I was fortunate to have attended a training in Tonga on how to deal with domestic violence thanks to the sponsorship of the UN women, I also had the privilege of attending the regional training program in Fiji.

How do you look after yourself? And why is it important to do that in your line of work?

In 2007, after my youngest was born, I made the big decision to raise my children on my own without a partner. This was due to fear of having another man do what the ones in the past did. It is because of this that when a woman comes in to report a violent case, it hits close to home because I once faced that same situation. Knowing how they feel I go as far as taking protection orders as well as child maintenance.

While helping these women, I often use myself as an example hoping to give them courage to take charge of their lives like I did many years ago. Although I have no partner, my children are happy and I have always made sure that they have what they want and need. I encourage them to never look down on themselves because they are single mothers. It is important to me to help women who are victims of violence because I am a survivor!

This article was originally published in the Vanuatu Daily Post’s April 2022 Life and Style magazine edition.

Photographer: Nicki Kuautonga

Assistant: Umi Nompavos

About Designer: Eliane Thomas

Eliane is from the island of Ambae, Penama province. Her designs were inspired by her mother who was a tailor, Eliane started sewing as a young girl. She was inspired to start sewing again four years ago to create clothing that was suitable and unique to her. She took up sewing to help with household needs and more importantly keep food on the table for her family, and from there it eventually turned it into a business.

Eliane was one of the fashion designers from the ‘Yumi Gat Style’ – Vanuatu Fashion show last year where she demonstrated her expertise in fashion design.

If you like what you see on the model, she is located in Agathis, contact her on +678 774 7950 or message her on her Facebook page Eliane Passion Sewing & Designs.

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MAV Urges Public to Differentiate Between Mainstream Media and Social Media May 23, 2023
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Youth reports on TIV participation on Good Governance Conference May 23, 2023
A Youth Representative, Melisa Vuti, has returned to Port Vila from Auckland, New Zealand, after attending a Conference on Good Governance, Climate Change, Anti-Corruption and Gender equality from May 11-12, 2023. Miss Vuti said she enjoyed mingling and learning from the “regional family” of participants for “a better Blue Pacific”. “The conference is a great achievement for Transparency International Vanuatu (TIV),” she stated. “The speakers were brilliant with their explanations and wide range of professional experiences. “In fact they are the Heroes and Champions in the related issues within their countries and the region through their presentations.” Following a Question and Answer Session, Miss Vuti said, “It is really an added value as our Pacific leaders empower young Pacific Island countries youth leaders and the students of the University of the South Pacific. “Through such platforms as it is strengthen the Pacific Island countries as we are one voice, one ocean one journey and one Pacific Island to rise up and take the challenge as one family with a shared vision in responding to climate Change and Corruption and Gender Equality. “We have the pleasure and honour to witness and participate in the launching of Pacifika Youth Advisory Committee.” In conclusion, Miss Vuti wishes to thank the following individuals and partners: UNDP, USP Student Association, UK Aid, New Zealand, USPSA Project Management Team, Guest Presenters and TIV. _____________________________________________________________- SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Kaltapau and Sine honored with 2023 Andy Lynch and Hanson Mataskelekele Awards May 15, 2023
The Australian High Commission, in partnership with the Lynch and Mataskelekele families, presented their annual International Women’s Day awards at a morning tea ceremony in Port Vila yesterday. The awards are one of the ways that Australia and Vanuatu are working together to promote gender equality and the rights of all women and girls. Australia is committed to empowering women and girls by creating economic opportunities, championing women in leadership and responding to and eliminating violence against women and girls. The Hanson Mataskelekele and Andy Lynch Awards provide an annual opportunity to highlight the significant contribution that women make across all sectors in Vanuatu. The Hanson Mataskelekele and Andy Lynch Awards provide an annual opportunity to highlight the significant contribution that women make across all sectors in Vanuatu. The 2023 Andy Lynch Award for Excellence in the Community Sector was presented to Ms Janet Sine, Lead Technical Coach at the Sanma Creative Industries Community Company (SCICC) supporting headwear producers across the province. Ms Sine is a champion of innovation and has displayed her commitment and support to rural women across SANMA Province to develop their handicraft skills and become economically empowered. She acknowledged the difficulties that women in leadership face, saying, “I dedicate this award to the women I work with, it’s not easy for women working in the community, but by working together we can overcome the challenges”. Brendan Lynch, son of the late Andy Lynch, emphasised that “our mother stood for equality and acceptance for all in the community”, congratulating Ms Sine for her work supporting others. Ms Glennys Vora Kaltapau was awarded the 2023 Hanson Mataskelekele Award for Women in Leadership for her quiet leadership of her team at the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), working tirelessly behind the scenes to assist the Vanuatu Government’s recovery of its Information Systems following the November 2022 ransomware cyber-attack. Ms Kaltapau encouraged more young women to enter the male-dominated field of ICT, “When I started my career, there were only two or three women working in the field. I hope that winning this award inspires a little girl somewhere to take up a career in ICT or, even better, cyber security one day,” she said. Barbara Sese, daughter of the late Hanson Mataskelekele, noted, “our mother would be the very proud of the fact that there is a woman managing a team in the OGCIO.” In her address, High Commissioner Heidi Bootle emphasised the importance of coming together to celebrate the achievements of women and girls in the country. “Both Australia and Vanuatu recognise that gender equality is needed for a stable, prosperous, and resilient society; it is cross-cutting and should be part of everything that we do,” she said. High Commissioner Bootle commended the two women for their great leadership, commitment, and passion for their work. This year fourteen other accomplished women from various backgrounds were nominated for the awards. A booklet containing the stories of this year’s nominees was also published in recognition of all their wonderful work in the community. ______________________________________________________________________ SOURCE: Vanuatu Daily Post

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Women are significantly under-represented in Pacific politics. But they’re pushing for change May 8, 2023
Gloria Julia King is the only female member of Vanuatu’s parliament. Before she was elected last year, there hadn’t been a female MP in Vanuatu for 15 years. “It was very hard to make the decision to go into parliament because ni-Vanuatu people — in their mind, in their upbringing, in their surroundings — the leadership has always been the men,” she told the ABC’s The Pacific program. “If people tell me that I can’t do it, it lights a fire beneath me that makes me want to prove them wrong.” Despite already being a well-known community leader and businessperson, getting elected was not easy. “Going into this, I was aware of what I was up against,” Ms King said. “It’s a man’s world … even being there, I can almost feel that this is not my place.” Politics is a boys’ club The Pacific region, not counting Australia, New Zealand, and the French Territories, has some of the lowest levels of women’s political participation in the world. It’s a problem that has a profound impact on the lives of women, Theresa Meki, a Pacific research fellow at the Australian National University, explained. “We’ve never had over 30 per cent representation in parliaments all across the region,” she said. “I think right now we have 52 women members of parliament out of 614 positions of power across the region. “If we exclude New Zealand and Australia … we do very poorly. Even with them included in the Pacific region, we still do very poorly.” Parliament should be representative of the population, she said. “Women are 50 per cent of the population and it’s important for them to be in positions of leadership so that they can have a part in the decisions that affect their livelihoods.” Some of the reasons behind under-representation Ms King said in her society, leadership titles were retained by male family members, citing a Bislama phrase: “The woman’s place is at home.” “It is a stigma, where everybody just naturally thinks that all politicians should be men,” Ms King said. No two Pacific countries are the same, Dr Meki emphasises, but there are some common threads in the challenges women face when trying to get into politics. “The economy, the history of the region, and the culture of elections make it so difficult for them to participate,” she said. “Traditional positions of power in village or church hierarchies are still dominated by men … and women tend to have less access to the money and resources needed to wage an effective election campaign.” Lenora Qereqeretabua, the deputy speaker of parliament of Fiji, said women also faced more scrutiny than men in the public eye, particularly online. “Social media plays a big part in why some women may feel hesitant about standing for any kind of public office,” she said. “The kind of criticism that we open ourselves to when you’re a woman wanting to take part in politics … [covers everything from] how you wear your hair to what kind of clothes you put on.” Ms Qereqeretabua first entered parliament in 2018 as a member of the opposition. “One of the pieces of advice given to me by a seasoned politician, a lady who I respect very much, was grow a thick skin,” she said. “That doesn’t mean being labelled, being called names is OK. “It just means you’re going to have to accept that this is something you have to try and change. It may take a long time, but it is doable.” Helping powerful women become women in power Quotas and other temporary special measures are often touted as effective solutions but they are also controversial. “A lot of people don’t think that it’s democratic. But at the stage that we’re in, we need some type of special measure,” Dr Meki said. Samoa has a quota that dictates at least 10 per cent of parliamentary seats must be held by women. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa became the country’s prime minister in 2021, making Samoa just the second Pacific nation ever to elect a female head of government, following the Marshall Islands with its former president Hilda Heine. While quotas could be effective at elevating women in politics, Dr Meki said a society-wide approach was needed for lasting change. “There needs to be more mainstreaming about women as leaders, not just politically … women in aviation, women in mining, different sectors, women as leaders generally.” Ms King said she led a busy life but hoped her rise to become the first female MP in Vanuatu in 15 years would encourage other women to join politics. “As a mother of four, I have a full house, I do school runs, I still do school lunches, homework … it’s something that keeps me grounded. That’s my routine,” Ms King said. “Sometimes I kick myself because I asked myself … I don’t know why or what I’m doing here. “But it’s a reminder that if women are going to make it here, then maybe I’m going to be the trailblazer. “If this journey inspires one little girl … enough to make them aspire to be a politician or to go into parliament in the future then … my job is done.” _______________________________________________________________________ SOURCE: ABC NEWS – THE PACIFIC

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By-Election Looms May 5, 2023
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Lily Joel Mawa – Sista Gat Style

#IslandQueen #Epi #PoliceWoman #MamaOfFive #LoverOfLife

Name:

Age:

Where are you from?

Tell us about your family?

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

Do you work?

What do you aspire to do in the future?

What is a quote that 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 Ni-Vanuatu mean to you?

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

Why did you want to become a Police officer and particularly in the family protection Unit?

How do you look after yourself? And why is it important to do that in your line of work?

About Designer: Eliane Thomas

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WOMEN IN THE FORCE

Lily Joel Mawa – Sista Gat Style

#IslandQueen #Epi #PoliceWoman #MamaOfFive #LoverOfLife

Name:

Age:

Where are you from?

Tell us about your family?

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

Do you work?

What do you aspire to do in the future?

What is a quote that 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 Ni-Vanuatu mean to you?

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

Why did you want to become a Police officer and particularly in the family protection Unit?

How do you look after yourself? And why is it important to do that in your line of work?

About Designer: Eliane Thomas

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