Wan Haos Blong Lav is part of a broader initiative from the ‘yut rise up’ (YRU) program – a youth-led gender-based violence prevention (GBV) initiative – funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the COVID-19 Response for Affected Poor and Vulnerable Groups Project.

The event marked a powerful moment in the movement’s effort to promote respect, equality, and healthy relationships through creative storytelling and youth engagement.

The ‘yut rise up’ program is part of the VAN: COVID-19 Response for Affected Poor and Vulnerable Groups Project, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It is implemented by Save the Children Vanuatu in partnership with Youth Challenge Vanuatu (YCV) and Wan Smolbag, under the leadership of the Ministry of Justice and Community Services through the Department of Women’s Affairs.

The initiative combines three main components — the youth-focused WSB film, an online campaign implemented by Savvy Vanuatu with the YRU advisory group, and YCV workshops for adolescents and parents — all aimed at breaking the cycle of violence before it begins.

Speaking at the launch, Jack French, Program Development and Quality Director for Save the Children Vanuatu, praised young people for their courage and leadership in addressing one of the country’s most pressing social issues.

“I’m in awe of the youth in Vanuatu,” said French. “They’re having a really sensitive conversation and standing up for something that is a very real problem in Vanuatu. The youth are saying, ‘We want to change that — and we want to do it in a positive way.’”

He highlighted that ‘yut rise up’ is a truly youth-designed and youth-owned programme, with adolescents leading workshops, online campaigns, and participating in mentorship activities to promote dialogue about gender, relationships, and respect.

“The film tonight is a depiction of their lived experience — unscripted, unfiltered,” French added. “It’s an authentic voice and a story of love, family, and relationships that opens space for communities to talk about difficult but important issues.”

The film’s leading young actor, Anais Taga said it’s interesting to play the role of a young girl who’s considering her first relationship, and this film highlights many sensitive topics that young people find uncomfortable to talk about.

“It was a challenging experience. We learned how to work as a team and realised that if someone fails to perform well it will affect all of us, so we did our best and you can see it in the film.”

Wan Haos Blong Lav — written by long-time Wan Smolbag playwright Jo Dorras — explores themes of love, jealousy, forgiveness, and equality in everyday family life.

Dorras said the story was inspired by real situations she observed among young women at the youth centre.

“I’ve seen girls make choices that ruin their lives,” she explained. “So, I decided to write a story that shows a positive image — one where both men and women share responsibilities at home.”

She said the film aims to challenge cultural expectations and show that household work is not a sign of weakness for men.

“In our culture, it’s not normal to see a man washing or cooking at home,” Dorras said. “But when a man does these jobs, it doesn’t make him weak — it shows strength and care. I want people to see that it’s everyone’s job.”

She hopes the film will influence not only youth but also parents, couples, and older generations to rethink traditional roles and teach respect and equality at home.

According to national data, 60% of women in Vanuatu have experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner, and nearly 70% have faced emotional abuse. The statistics highlight the urgent need for education and dialogue, especially among the younger generation.

‘yut rise up’ seeks to address this by teaching adolescents and families that respect is the foundation of every relationship, and that healthy communication can stop violence before it starts.

“Yut hemi fiuja — yut hemi save mekem change,” the campaign declares. (“Youth are the future — youth can make change.”)

The film’s premiere demonstrated how art can serve as a powerful tool for social change — bringing together young voices, parents, and community leaders to reflect, listen, and learn from each other.

As the lights dimmed at Wan Smolbag Theatre and the first scenes of Wan Haos Blong Lav appeared on screen, one message echoed clearly throughout the night, ‘Change starts with us — in our homes, our conversations, and the choices we make every day’.

Beyond the message of equality, Dorras said the production also shines a light on Vanuatu’s growing creative industry.

“We have some really good actors in Vanuatu — truly world-class,” she said. “It’s something we should all be proud of.”

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST