October Newsletter 2024

Dec 5, 2024 | Newsletters | 0

October has been a quite a busy month for Sista!

We proudly joined the steering committee for the Strengthening Access to Justice project, aimed at improving justice services for rural communities. Preparations for this year’s 16 Days of Activism are well underway, focusing on raising awareness about sexual harassment in workplaces. WATCH this space as we share what we have planned for this years annual campaign!

We’re also thrilled to announce that Sista’s Executive Director, Yasmine Bjornum, has been nominated to the VANGO Board following the organization’s Annual General Meeting.

Additionally, we welcomed Sabrina Tabi as the new Communications Officer for the We Rise Coalition, marking an exciting step forward in our regional partnerships.

Keep reading to find out what kept the team busy this month!

Projects

Sophie Leong – Sista Gat Style, Vanuatu Daily Post

In October, we are celebrating the fabulous Sophie Leong!

Freshly 21, Sophie is balancing life as a Bachelor of Business Management student at Queensland University of Technology, set to graduate in 2025! When she’s not deep in her studies, you’ll find Sophie working at her family’s business, Crave and Chill.

Her style? Bright, bold, and full of life—think neon colors and a love for all things pink! She’s a fan of custom-made outfits from Don Tailleur and vibrant Pacific Island Art dresses that express her outgoing personality.

Sophie lives by the motto, “Be a little kinder than you have to,” and is always spreading positive vibes and kindness wherever she goes.

#SistaGatStyle #WomanVanuatu #Fun #Beautiful #PositiveEnergy #Bright #Kind

VANGO Open Day

The one day event provided a platform for NGOs to showcase their work, engage with the public, and network with other organizations. The Sista team, along with other NGOs, set up their booths in the exhibition area which was open to the public.

Sista’s booth attracted significant interest from students, schools, and other visitors, where they learned about Sista’s work supporting girls and women. The team distributed merchandise and encouraged sign-ups for their email list, fostering new connections.

Thank you VANGO for giving Sista, and other NGO’s the opportunity to showcase our work!

#StopemKorapsen Campaign with VANGO

This month, Vanuatu Association of NGOs (VANGO) led a campaign to advocate against the passing for the Members of Parliament Bill number 10 of 2024!

To kick start this campaign, they organized a public forum to discuss Government proposed Bill No. 10 concerning the Members of Parliament (Members Expense and Allowance).

The public forum took place from 12:00pm to 1:30pm, at the Korman Complex K2 building next to the National Youth Council Office. It was encouraged for the citizens of Vanuatu and civil society organizations to join in on this important dialogue and to contribute ideas for moving forward with advocacy of the proposed bill.

WATCH the full forum discussion here

Behaviour Change Communication Committee Meeting – Vanuatu National Youth Council
Sista was formally invited to join the Behavior Change Communication (BCC) Committee. BCC is a strategic approach that utilizes communication to encourage positive health outcomes, grounded in established theories and models of behavior change.

The meeting, facilitated by Joe Kalo from the Vanuatu National Youth Council, focused on strategies to strengthen behavior change communications in Vanuatu. The primary objectives were to establish an evidence base for Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Family Planning (FP), identify key behavior change priorities, and ensure the alignment and coordination of resources to support these goals. This collaborative effort aims to enhance the effectiveness of SRH and FP programs by addressing underlying behavioral challenges and fostering a supportive environment for sustained positive change.

The discussion centered on the core aspects of Behavior Change Communication (BCC), particularly the endorsement of the Terms of Reference (ToR).

Thank you VNYC, we look forward to more meeting around this important initiative!

“Strengthening Access to Justice” Working Committee – Public Service Commission
The Project Coordinator at Sista, Rosina Kaimbang and the Program Manager, Josepheen Tarianga were invited by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Vanuatu to join the steering committee of a conceptualized project. The Steering Committee’s purpose is to oversee and guide the development, strategy, and implementation of the project.

The implementation of the project titled “Strengthening Access to Justice for Communities in Remote and Rural Vanuatu” will be overseen and facilitated by the public service Commission (PSC). It aims to enhance access to justice services for remote and rural communities in Vanuatu, with a particular focus on women and girls.

The committee brought together representatives from key justice institutions, civil society, and other stakeholders to ensure an integrated, collaborative approach to achieving the project’s goals, including expanding family protection services, enhancing the accessibility and gender balance of justice mechanisms, and improving coordination between the courts, police, and community actors.

The first initial meeting of the Steering Committee was hosted at the Melanesian hotel on Monday the 28^th of October. The meeting was essential to establish the strategic framework and practical foundations of the project, enabling the committee to support its long-term success and impact. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday the 1^st of November.

The two Sista reps look forward to the next meeting in early December!

16 Days of Activism Preparation – CARE in Vanuatu

This year, Sista, in collaboration with CARE and the Young Women’s Leadership Program (YWLP) Alumni, is organizing 20-minute awareness sessions on sexual harassment in 10 workplaces as part of the 16 Days of Activism.

The plan is to train the YWLP Alumni through a one-day workshop and have them deliver these sessions during the 16 Days of Activism period (from November 25 to December 10, 2024). The objective of these sessions is to educate and raise awareness about the nature of sexual harassment, the different types it can take, and the prevalence of sexual harassment in Vanuatu and also advocate for the inclusion of Sexual Harassment in the legislation.

The sessions will also include sharing the results of a survey conducted by Sista in 2022, with the support of the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM), along with providing resources and referrals.

This month, the project team has dedicated more time to preparing for the sessions, including finalizing the concept note and work plan, engaging in ongoing communication with CARE regarding the budget, and coordinating with the YWLP Alumni about their availability.

Sista’s Comms & Advocacy officer also started designing merch for the annual event and activity. In total, she designed two stickers, a poster and an official design for t-shirts!

Shout out to our partners at CARE in Vanuatu for supporting Sista and the YWLP Alumni to carry out yet another important project activity for this annual campaign. Keep your eye on our pages as we will also be sharing short reels from the YWLP Alumni and group photos from the short awareness’s!

WASH Advocacy Campaign – World Vision Vanuatu

In October, Sista’s Communications & Advocacy Coordinator spent it planning, organising and speaking with key service providers to help push the official launch of the WASH Advocacy Campaign.

The team was fortunate to have Glenda Sumsum from Lokol Connect, to facilitate all of this communication before handing over to Sista’s Comms team.

Towards the end of the month, Sista had to make the decision of handing everything back to the WASH Portfolio team at World Vision to finalize the Advocacy components with Vanuatu Smartboard, VBTC, WSB, Mifala Nomo and Markson Taiki from MATAKAMBU.

Tankio tumas to everyone who stepped in to support and create this WASH Advocacy Campaign with us! We can’t wait for the WASH Portfolio team to finally launch this Advocacy Campaign!

Official introduction of We Rise Coalition Communications Officer

Sabrina Tabi, the We Rise Communications (WRC) officer was introduced to the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA) team over a zoom call.

The call not only consisted of introductions, but it had also presented an opportunity for an interactive virtual dialogue between WRC and the IWDA. Important topics were addressed such as; the WRC Communications Action Plan for October 2024- June 2025, who’s the new IWDA communications focal point, and whatsapp contacts were exchanged as well which resulted in the creation of e new whatsapp chat group consisting of all the attendees of this zoom call.

We look forward to seeing Sabrina grow in her role as WRC Comms Officer and build her relationships with our other partners in the WRC!

Other News

Acquittals, Operations Manual and Policies

October has been a productive month for the Finance Department. We successfully submitted the finance acquittals for the We Rise and CARE projects, covering the July to September period. Additionally, we’ve initiated the development of a comprehensive work plan for Sista’s Finance & HR Manager, and Katherine, our Australian volunteer, who will support review the Sista Operations Manual and key policies, including the Child Protection Policy, PSEAH, and Code of Conduct. Her review aims to ensure these policies align with our work at Sista, and she will also help create simplified, tailored versions specifically for our service providers.

We look forward to sharing the outcomes of these efforts!

VANGO Annual General Meeting (AGM)

On 3^rd October, the VANGO AGM reviewed organizational updates, reports and the nomination of VANGO’s New Board Members.

We are proud to see Sista’s Executive Director, Yasmine Bjornum from Sista was nominated to the VANGO Board, marking a significant achievement for the team.

Congratulations to VANGO for it’s impressive organisational growth the past few years and we look forward to being part of the journey ahead.

Photo credit: Brej Pacific

Follow Sista

NEWS

Skills competition brings Pacific nations together in Vanuatu October 21, 2026
Vanuatu has welcomed young skilled competitors from across the Pacific for the 2026 Vanuatu National Skills Competition and International Friendly Skills Competition, which opened in Port Vila yesterday, October 19. Competitors from Timor-Leste, Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, Nauru and Kiribati have joined Vanuatu participants for the competition, which aims to promote practical skills, technical education and training opportunities for young people. Chairman of the organising committee and Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT) Principal Wade Evans said the competition was an opportunity for young people to demonstrate how practical skills could contribute to national development and improve people’s lives. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Evans said the event was not only about the organisers but, more importantly, about the young people who had volunteered to represent their countries. “This competition is something that we in the Pacific, we humanists, we young, we small countries, we can make a difference by excelling in skills,” he said. He said the competition could inspire young people and communities to recognise the importance of skills in improving family livelihoods and creating opportunities for individuals. Evans also acknowledged Timor-Leste for inspiring Vanuatu to organise its own international skills competition after a Vanuatu delegation participated in a similar event there earlier this year. He thanked the organising committee, Pacific Australia Skills, the Ministry of Education and Training, Vanuatu Skills Partnership and Vanuatu Qualifications Authority for their support in bringing the event together. The competition will also feature other activities during the week, including a fashion show on Tuesday, a panel discussion on Wednesday covering artificial intelligence, green skills and skills in schools, and a cultural performance by VIT students on Thursday. Evans said the activities would demonstrate the connection between practical skills and culture, while giving visiting delegations opportunities to exchange experiences and build relationships. Representing the Minister of Education and Training, Simil Johnson, newly elected Ambae Member of Parliament (MP) Howard Aru welcomed the international competitors and recognised the efforts of Vanuatu’s national participants. MPAru said the competition provided an opportunity to celebrate the contribution skilled workers make to the country’s development. He said the Government’s proposed 60:40 plan aimed to strengthen skills development within the national curriculum, with trials already under way at three schools. Aru said Vanuatu needed skilled people who could build, install, maintain, produce and repair, as well as solve problems, manage businesses and introduce new ideas into their communities. “Practical skills help families earn an income. Businesses improve their services,” he said. He said technical and vocational education and training should be recognised as valuable pathways to further education, employment and business opportunities. Aru also stressed the importance of preparing young people for changing workplace demands, including digital technologies, renewable energy and sustainable practices. He said schools, training providers, employers and communities needed to work together to ensure young people received relevant training and opportunities to apply their skills. Drawing on his own experience as a parent, Aru said he strongly believed in skills education after encouraging his son to pursue a skills-based pathway rather than a conventional academic route. He said his son was now working with a company in Port Vila, and his friends had also become interested in skills training after seeing the pathway he had taken. Aru said climate change challenges and the needs of local businesses would continue to create opportunities for skilled workers in Vanuatu. He encouraged competitors to prepare carefully, work safely, manage their time and focus on the quality of their work, while respecting fellow competitors and learning from the experience. He also called on employers and industry partners to continue supporting skills development and strengthening the connection between training institutions and the workplace. The 2026 Vanuatu National Skills Competition and International Friendly Skills Competition was officially declared open by MP Aru. The event is expected to provide a platform for competitors, trainers and visiting delegations to exchange knowledge, strengthen regional partnerships and promote the value of technical and vocational education across the Pacific. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

read more...
Women Demand Action on Gender Equality Ahead of 2029 Elections October 19, 2026
Women’s development stakeholders have called on the Vanuatu Government to take stronger action on gender equality, saying decades of policies and commitments have failed to deliver meaningful representation of women in leadership. The call followed a two-day review of the National Gender Equality Policy (NGEP), held in Port Vila from October 14 to 15. The review brought together government officials, the Department of Women’s Affairs (DWA), civil society organisations, women’s groups, church leaders, youth representatives and development partners. Participants agreed that the Government must move beyond policy commitments and demonstrate political will through concrete action, accountability and legislative reform. Jenny Ligo, reporting on behalf of the participants, said Vanuatu already had policies and frameworks to advance gender equality, but implementation remained the main challenge. “Vanuatu has no reason not to be achieving gender equality. We have the policies and frameworks — what we lack is action,” she said. The review found that women remained underrepresented in political leadership, with participants pointing to decades of limited progress since Vanuatu gained independence in 1980. Only six women have been elected to Parliament since independence, while women currently hold just one of the 52 parliamentary seats. At the provincial level, none of the 101 provincial council seats is held by a woman. Although the 2023 Electoral Act No. 18 provides for reserved seats at the municipal level, participants said further measures were needed to improve women’s representation across all levels of government. The review also raised concerns about political parties’ commitment to gender equality, with 12 of the country’s 24 political parties lacking gender policies. Participants said the voluntary 10 per cent quota adopted by the Leaders Party had failed to deliver the desired results. The VT150,000 candidacy fee was also identified as a financial barrier that could prevent women from contesting elections, particularly those without sufficient financial support. Participants warned that the same challenges had been discussed repeatedly over the years without adequate progress. “We have spoken for decades, we have reviewed for decades, it is time for government to demonstrate political will. Women of Vanuatu are ready to lead. What is missing is space and support,” Mrs. Ligo said. “This is not just about women — it is about the future of democracy and the nation.” The review also raised concerns about public confidence in government, citing figures indicating that trust had declined from 96.5 per cent in earlier years to 73.5 per cent. To address these challenges, participants called for measures to strengthen women’s participation in decision-making and remove barriers to entering politics. One key recommendation was to introduce reserved seats at both provincial and parliamentary levels to ensure more equitable representation of women in elected positions. Participants also recommended amending the Political Parties Registration Act to require political parties to field at least 30 per cent women candidates, with sanctions for those that fail to comply. To reduce financial barriers, the review proposed establishing a Candidate Support Fund to provide VT150,000 each to 30 women seeking election. If all 30 candidates received the full allocation, the fund would total VT4.5 million. Another recommendation was to introduce a Three Levels Pipeline Program, with proposed funding of VT42.5 million to strengthen women’s leadership capacity at municipal, provincial and parliamentary levels. Participants said the programme would help women progress into leadership positions and prepare them to take part in political decision-making. The recommendations have been formally submitted to the DWA for consideration ahead of the 2029 national elections. Participants said decision-makers must now consider the proposals and turn them into practical measures that deliver measurable results. They also pledged to continue advocating for gender equality and holding decision-makers accountable for progress. The review concluded with a call for Vanuatu to move from repeated discussions and policy commitments to meaningful action, giving women a fairer opportunity to participate in political and public leadership. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

read more...
Male Insecurity Can Lead to Harmful Decisions, Therapist Warns October 19, 2026
Psychotherapist Sue Harris says unresolved feelings of insecurity, guilt and shame can influence men’s decisions and behaviour, making family support and positive male role models important in helping boys develop healthy self-worth. Her comments follow Dr Sale Vurobaravu’s warning about men practising silicone injections, which he said could have serious consequences for their lives. The issue has raised broader questions about the factors that may contribute to such behaviour among men in Vanuatu. Harris, a registered psychotherapist with a Master of Arts degree, said some men struggled with feelings of inadequacy and self-blame, even when they worked hard and tried to meet expectations. She said these feelings could influence their decisions, particularly if they had grown up without emotional support, encouragement or a strong sense of belonging. In more than three years of practice, Harris said she had seen men open up about their struggles and become emotional while sharing experiences that had deeply affected them. She explained that guilt and shame could lead men to believe they were not good enough, potentially influencing decisions that could harm their lives. Harris identified family separation and divorce as factors that could affect a child’s development and influence decisions later in life. She said children who grew up without feeling loved, praised or supported could struggle with their self-worth as adults. Harris said positive male role models were particularly important for boys, especially when their fathers were absent. Joining a football team, participating in gardening or spending time with a trusted male figure could help boys build positive relationships and receive guidance as they grew up. “Boys need positive male figures in their lives,” she said, explaining that while women did their best to support children, positive male involvement also played an important role in boys’ development. Harris said some men continued to feel inadequate despite being hardworking because they believed they were failing to meet the standards expected of them. She said providing children with a safe home where they could express themselves freely and receive encouragement was fundamental to helping them make healthier decisions in the future. Harris said therapy could help men address unresolved emotional struggles, but the process should not focus solely on the individual experiencing trauma or stress. Families also needed to examine their relationships, behaviour and home environments to support lasting change, she said. She said addressing harmful behaviour required a broader change in family systems rather than expecting individuals to overcome the effects of their experiences alone. Harris provides clinical supervision to counsellors, support workers and community workers, as well as employee assistance counselling for non-government organisations, businesses and community organisations. Her comments point to the importance of addressing emotional struggles and family circumstances while encouraging men to seek support and families to provide healthier environments for children. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

read more...
Rural women celebrated for strengthening communities, driving economies October 16, 2026
Rural women’s contributions to community wellbeing, economic development and local leadership were celebrated during a three-day International Rural Women’s Day event held at Eratap, Efate, under the theme, “Rural women rise up: Strong women, strong community.” The event was attended by Deputy Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu Emily Fisher, Assistant Secretary General (SG) of the SHEFA Provincial Government Council (SPGC) Liah Kaltoi, members of Silae Vanua Association and community members. Deputy High Commissioner Fisher applauded rural women’s contributions to keeping their communities healthy and strong. She reaffirmed the Australian Government’s continued support for projects across Vanuatu that empower women in rural communities. SPGC Assistant SG Kaltoi reaffirmed the provincial council’s commitment to working with the Government and its development partners to address challenges faced by rural women, particularly in accessing markets for their agricultural produce. She acknowledged that, despite women’s valuable contributions to the province and the country, no women are currently represented on the provincial council. Kaltoi expressed hope that women would unite to secure provincial-level representation and become a voice for other women. She encouraged women across the province to support one another, work collectively and take steps towards achieving representation on the provincial council. Department of Women’s Affairs (DWA) SHEFA Provincial Officer Lilgai Laliet acknowledged rural women’s contributions through producing and selling local food and other agricultural produce. She also recognised the support development partners provide to women-led organisations such as Silae Vanua, which works with rural women to strengthen their empowerment and economic participation. Laliet recognised the role men and boys play in supporting rural women, saying that empowering women requires a collective commitment from families, communities, government and development partners. She said rural women’s work deserved recognition and continued support, as their contributions extended beyond their households to strengthening communities and supporting national development. On behalf of the Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services, Laliet officially opened the three-day celebration. The event also featured information booths where women could learn about available services, support and opportunities. Participating organisations, including banks and the Vanuatu Women’s Centre, provided information on financial services and other forms of support to help women strengthen their economic participation and wellbeing.

read more...
Child sexual abuse: Vanuatu cannot afford to look away October 15, 2026
Child sexual abuse cases have revealed a disturbing pattern: children are being abused not by strangers, but by people they know and trust, including fathers, relatives, teachers and others in positions of responsibility. Vanuatu cannot undo the sexual abuse many children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. With the Child Protection Bill before Parliament this month, Members of Parliament (MPs) have an important opportunity to strengthen protections for children and ensure a stronger response to abuse. The Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services (MOJYCS) says recent cases demonstrate the need for a stronger national response, including protection and support for children beyond the criminal prosecution of offenders. A five-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by her father, who was sentenced to five years and six months in prison in August this year. That same month, a grandfather was sentenced to more than four years in prison for sexually abusing his granddaughter. In September, a former teacher was sentenced for sexual offences against two 15-year-old students. In March, a man was sentenced for raping a 12-year-old girl. The abuse resulted in her pregnancy. These are among the child sexual abuse cases reported in Vanuatu’s newspapers in 2026. The Ministry says they represent only part of the problem. The Vanuatu Women’s Centre’s national survey, released in March 2026, found that nearly one in three women (30 per cent) had experienced sexual abuse before the age of 15. The MOJYCS says many children never disclose what has happened to them, particularly when the perpetrator is someone they love, fear or depend on. “We cannot continue to treat these cases as isolated tragedies. Child sexual abuse is a serious and widespread problem that demands a stronger national response,” the Ministry says. A prison sentence is not a child protection plan The Ministry argues that reports of criminal convictions reveal much less about what happens to the children themselves after abuse is discovered. “The cases reported in the newspapers tell us something about how Vanuatu’s criminal justice system responds to child sexual abuse. But they tell us much less about what happens to the children themselves,” MOJYCS says. Referring to the five-year-old girl whose father was sentenced for sexually assaulting her, the Ministry says the court’s decision explains the consequences for the perpetrator but does not establish what protection was put in place when the abuse came to light, whether other children were at risk or what support was available to help her recover. These questions, the Ministry says, are just as important as the criminal prosecution. The MOJYCS describes a situation in which a girl tells her teacher that someone at home has been sexually abusing her. She is frightened to return home, her mother may be financially dependent on the perpetrator, and younger children in the household may also be at risk. “The police can investigate the crime. But who assesses whether she is safe to go home that afternoon? Who helps her family find a safe way forward? Who ensures she receives medical care, counselling and ongoing support? And who follows up to make sure she remains safe?” the Ministry asks. “These questions cannot wait months or years for a criminal trial to conclude.” Vanuatu already has laws criminalising rape, incest and other sexual offences. Police, prosecutors and courts play an essential role in investigating crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. However, the MOJYCS says criminal investigations and child protection responses serve different purposes. “A criminal investigation asks whether an offence was committed and who is responsible. A child protection response must ask a different, equally urgent question: is this child safe, and what needs to happen now to protect them?” the Ministry says. “Protecting a child must begin when abuse comes to light, not when a perpetrator is convicted.” The Ministry says this is why the proposed Child Protection Bill matters. The Bill seeks to establish a stronger legal framework for protecting children at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It would establish clearer reporting responsibilities, strengthen the authority of child protection officers to assess and respond to abuse, and provide mechanisms for emergency protection, court orders and safe alternative care. The MOJYCS says these measures would establish clear responsibilities and provide the legal authority needed to intervene when a child is in danger. “A child who discloses sexual abuse needs more than a police investigation. That child needs to be safe tonight, tomorrow and in the months and years that follow,” the Ministry says. Parliament has an opportunity to act The MOJYCS recognises that families, chiefs, churches and communities all have important roles in protecting children. However, it says informal arrangements and goodwill are not always enough when abuse occurs within a family or community. Children need a system with clear legal responsibilities, trained professionals and the authority to intervene when their safety is at risk, the Ministry says. It also cautions that legislation alone will not end child sexual abuse. A strong Child Protection Bill must be backed by trained child protection officers, accessible services, effective referral pathways and sustained investment, including in rural and remote communities. Without these investments, the MOJYCS warns, the promise of stronger legal protection risks remaining just that — a promise. For children experiencing abuse, the Ministry says, the issues are not abstract questions about legislation or government responsibilities. They concern immediate safety, dignity, care and recovery. The MOJYCS says a child’s access to protection should not depend on where they live, whom they know or whether someone happens to be available to help when they disclose abuse. “To the MPs who will consider the Child Protection Bill this month: the children behind these headlines deserve more than our concern. They deserve action,” the Ministry says. “Vanuatu cannot undo the abuse these children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. “Pass a strong Child Protection Bill. Commit the resources needed to make it work. And ensure that when a read more…

read more...