MIPU launches Women in Leadership Programme to strengthen gender equity

Sep 5, 2025 | Initiatives and Projects, News | 0

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU) has launched its first-ever Women in Leadership Programme (WILP), marking a major step in advancing women’s leadership across the Ministry.

The initiative, spearheaded by the MIPU Women’s Network in partnership with the Australian Government, is designed to help women develop the skills, confidence, and networks needed to step into senior roles within a ministry that has historically been male-dominated.

The programme was officially launched on Thursday, 4 September, at the Ramada Resort.

The WILP follows a gap analysis that identified opportunities to strengthen women’s leadership pathways. While women have long contributed significantly to MIPU’s technical and professional work, leadership roles have remained less accessible.

Acting Director General of MIPU, Henry Worek, speaking on behalf of Minister Xavier Emmanuel Harry, acknowledged the contributions of women to the Ministry.

“Women in MIPU have always brought knowledge, expertise, and dedication to their roles,” he said.

“This programme provides practical leadership tools and mentoring opportunities so women can step confidently into positions where they can guide teams, influence outcomes, and shape the direction of infrastructure projects across Vanuatu.”

Minister Harry further emphasised that leadership is not just about titles but about impact, and this program ensures women can have that impact.

Running from September to November 2025, the programme is co-designed with partners including the University of the South Pacific (USP), the Public Service Commission through the Vanuatu Institute of Public Administration and Management (VIPAM), and the Vanuatu–Australia Infrastructure Development Programme.

The three one-week training blocks include interactive workshops, mentoring, and practical exercises. Participants who complete the programme will receive a USP-recognised certificate.

Nineteen women and one male champion make up the inaugural 2025 cohort, representing all three MIPU departments. Many of the participants have already broken barriers in fields such as building, engineering, and technical services.

Chairlady of the MIPU Women’s Network, Joylyn Boe, said the initiative is about creating pathways for women to lead.

“It’s about ensuring their voices are part of decision-making and inspiring future generations,” she said.

Deputy High Commissioner of Australia, Emily Fisher, praised the launch as a reflection of MIPU’s Inclusivity Policy.

“It is really good to see MIPU’s inclusivity policy in action,” she said.

“This course will enhance the women and men of MIPU to recognise and embrace their unique strengths and leadership skills while empowering others to do their best as well.”

She stressed that leadership development must also include men, noting that strong partnerships are key to sustaining gender equity initiatives.

“Without the commitment and collaboration of partners, an activity like this would not be possible,” she said, thanking MIPU, the Public Service Commission, and USP for their support.

Director of the Intelligent Power Distribution Unit (IPDU), Jean Yves Bibi, also highlighted the importance of the program, noting that it builds on similar initiatives already introduced in other ministries.

“In 2023, the Ministry of Health launched a flagship Women in Leadership Programme that has already produced four cohorts of capable leaders,” he said.

“Building on that momentum, the Ministry of Justice and Community Services introduced its Public Service Leadership Programme in 2024. As more ministries embrace these initiatives, we are witnessing a powerful shift toward cultivating leadership, especially among women.”

Bibi commended MIPU for recognising the importance of strengthening women’s leadership in traditionally male-dominated fields such as building, engineering, and plumbing.

“This transformation is not merely symbolic; it is a meaningful step toward a more equitable and forward-looking future,” he said.

The launch of the MIPU Women in Leadership Programme is part of the Ministry’s ongoing Inclusivity Policy and the MIPU Women’s Network Action Plan. By investing in women’s leadership, the Ministry aims to shift its culture, encourage recognition of women’s contributions, and build a stronger, more inclusive public service.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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