October Newsletter 2022

Nov 7, 2022 | Newsletters | 0

October has flown by and we are getting that much closer to the end of the year!

The team at Sista started off this month on a relaxing note. We spent an afternoon reflecting on our Young Women’s Leadership Program (YWLP) journey this year with one of our partners, CARE. The self-reflection allowed everyone to acknowledge and appreciate each other’s effort and time put into this project and we are all looking forward to next year’s YWLP cohort. The team also took the opportunity to talk about the importance of self care and ended the afternoon with a fun origami extravaganza!

The team also acknowledged the amazing fashion show VPride held on the 1st of October. Despite a few negative comments from people around Port Vila, the VPride fashion show was a success! – selling out over 500 tickets within only a few weeks. Congratulations VPride!

Sista, along with many organizations around Vanuatu, wore PINK in solidarity for Pinktober. This year, we remembered the survivors and those we lost, but also focused on the importance of seeking immediate medical support if the signs appear. Vanuatu Family Health Association and Vila Central Hospital, made it clear to the public that their services are available and they have qualified nurses and doctors to assist with anyone who may have early signs of Breast Cancer. #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth

By mid to end of October, the team at Sista was juggling tasks from the preparation and planning of the National Feminist Forum, the Women in Media Survey and general roles and responsibilities in the office. It was hectic but with perseverance and understanding the team has managed to pull through!

Projects

Diana Bonga – Sista Gat Style, Vanuatu Daily Post

This month we introduced Diana Bonga, a hardworking mother of two children, who is originally from the island of Pentecost. Diana is the youngest of four children, with her mother teaching on Pentecost, and her father living with her other siblings. She consistently provides for her own family to ensure their financial security through her handmade crafts.

Diana started her business, “Diana’s handmade earrings and flowers’, in 2019. It has allowed her to express her creativity while also providing a stable income for her family. She is also figuring out a good life balance as she has just started studying for a Bachelor of Primary Education at the School of Education (previously known as Teachers College).

Diana is open to accepting orders! Check out her handmade crafts and her awesome packages on her Facebook page, Diana’s Handmade earrings and flowers, or contact her directly on 7656183.

Vanuatu’s National Feminist Forum, as part of the 3rd Pacific Feminist Forum

Sista conducted the first-ever National Feminist Forum (NFF) Working Group Meeting at the Melanesian on 11 October 2022. The Working Group consists of partners from Gate Minds, ActionAid, VPride, Vanuatu Human Rights Coalition, Vanuatu Young Women for Change, CARE, and of course, Sista. Sista’s Executive Director and Program Finance Manager, lead the meeting to; introduce what the draft NFF concept looked like, background history on the Pacific Feminist Forum, the clear Roles and Responsibilities of the NFF Working Group, identifying the four topics for the Panel Discussions, and identifying the moderators, guest speakers and participants. The forum was initially planned to commence at the end of October however, after several discussions and critical thinking, we have moved the forum to mid-November. How exciting!

Oceanic Pacific Women in Media Research Baseline Research 2022, PACMAS

This month the Project team carried out research through Quantitative and Qualitative interviews between 28 September to 28 October 2022. There were 21 people who participated in this research. The last interview was carried out on 24th October which was followed by a thorough analysis. The analysis and report will be presented at a Women in Media forum which will be held on 9 November 2022 before publishing an outcome statement. We would like to thank everyone who participated for their time and contributions. We cannot wait to present our findings!

Coming Soon

Yu laekem blong storian?

Sista is still on the search for another member to join the team as the host for The Roundtable podcast. An exciting opportunity for young women to lead the conversation and speak on issues affecting young people in Vanuatu.

Other News

Sista Communications Team

The Sista Communications team have been busy keeping our social media platforms bright, colourful and informative. They highlighted the importance of staying safe online during the Cyber Smart Campaign by sharing our Go! Cyber videos and posted quotes and videos relating to feminism and what it means, particularly in the context of Vanuatu, for our lead up to the National Feminsit Forum – make sure to check them out if you haven’t already.

The Sista Projects team has handed over our Sista Gat Style (SGS) initiative to the Comms team – again! We have been trying to figure out where this project sits and we decided it’s best under Communications and the Comms team are excited to take the lead in this as well as looking at how we can add more flavor and improve the concept of celebrating women in Vanuatu. Make sure to grab your FREE copy of the Life & Style Magazine to see who we will be celebrating in November!

Sista Finance Team

This month, Sista’s Finance team received our first tranche from We Rise Coalition. We also submitted the Q1 Finance report for We Rise which was due on the 21st of October.

We developed a Leave Management Tracker to properly track all of our staff sick days, days in lieu and work from home days as part of our strengthening processes. We have also been updating the Finance Reporting Schedule for the remainder of 2022 and 2023.

The Finance team has also supported the Project and Comms team with the procurement of the NFF merchandise.

Discussion on Gender Inclusion in Vanuatu

Earlier this month, World Vision Vanuatu invited Sista’s Executive Director and Program Finance Manager to attend an informal meeting based on the Discussion on Gender Inclusion in Vanuatu. Vanuatu has been working with DFAT’s Water for Women Fund over the past 5 years to implement disability-inclusive sanitation and hygiene innovations in Torba and Sanma Province. This meeting was a perfect opportunity to reflect on the work that has been done so far in Vanuatu.

Sista & Vanuatu Daily Post MOU

Since 2016, Sista and Vanuatu Daily Post (VDP) have been collaborating together to produce ‘Sista Gat Style’. ‘Sista Gat Style’ provides a playful but powerful platform for Ni-Vanuatu women from all walks of life to be visible, heard, and celebrated. Through fashion, Sista has been able to generate discussions on self-care, gender norms, body positivity, and women’s leadership while promoting the ongoing visibility of strong, diverse women in our society. It has also been a conduit to celebrate Ni-Vanuatu culture through handicrafts and jewelry.

Over the years, Sista has expanded its strategy to empower women by promoting gender-related news sourced from the Vanuatu Daily Post. The dissemination of news specifically related to gender has kept Sista’s audience informed while contributing to wider discussions with policymakers on the high rates of gender-based violence, sexual reproductive health rights and lack of women in leadership.

Towards the end of October, Sista and VDP finally signed an MOU to establish a strategic relationship and clear expectations between Sista and VDP. To more growth and relationship building !

CARE – Accounting Project Management Cycle Session

Sista’s finance team attended a three hour training session conducted by CARE Finance Department with its Key Partners such as Sista Committee and Vanuatu Skill’s Partnership. The goals of this session were for CARE’s key sub grantees to understand all stages of the Accounting Cycle and the importance of the function in Project Management.

Development of organizational strengthening and project planner for 2022 – 2023

Sista’s team is super small and each team member – from projects to communications to finance – is aware of the organizational needs and outputs of projects to ensure we can provide support as needed, and know how to delegate tasks and communicate with each other as needed. The Executive Director has developed a planner from 2022 – 2023 to outline the activities required for organizational strengthening and the anticipated projects and activities up ahead. Simultaneously the finance team has created a tracker to assist with managing donor funds and anticipating reports and deadlines. At the same time, we are still working with the Human Resource (HR) consultant to strengthen our HR system and review our organizational structure, which will all be finalised next month! Who knew HR could be so satisfying and fulfilling!

Input into GET report (reporting period Jan – Sept 2022), CARE

Sista worked closely with the CARE team to feed into the final report of the GET project. The report includes a summary of the 2021 – 22 GET project and overall project progress. In addition to programs, Sista has implemented two initiatives that align with the advocacy component of the GET program, in support of Gender Equality. Under this partnership CARE provided support to Sista Gat Style and the Vanuatu Feminist Library, by funding Sista staff time to engage in these pieces of work.

Donation by Olsem Wanem

One of Sista’s highlights this month was the generous gesture from Christelle Thieffry and Georges Cumbo who raised 100,000vt for Sista by selling FEMINIST t-shirts through Olsem Wanem. Since Sista’s establishment in 2016, this duo has provided space, fundraising and solidarity to Sista. Their kindness and support over the years means a lot to the team. It is not easy to set up an organisation, let alone sustain it and the gestures of support over the years have helped Sista through the toughest times. – Tank Yu Tumas Christelle mo Georges!

Visit from partner IWDA

After many months of working together virtually, it was a pleasure to welcome Brownyn Spencer in person from the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA). She came for a day visit to our Sista office to discuss our partnership through We Rise Coalition and we managed to squeeze in lots of action including reviewing finance matters, discussions around the possibility of procuring a volunteer, ways of improving our reporting system regarding data collection and narrative reports, and much more. It was an honor to meet Bron in person and we look forward to strengthening our relationship with IWDA and grateful for the We Rise Coalition to have this opportunity to learn and grow with supportive and inspiring partners.

We Rise Steering Committee Meeting

The Executive Director joined the monthly Steering Committee meeting with We Rise Coalition partners and as always, it was a joy to connect and share our work. We discussed our planning and preparation for our upcoming National Feminist Forum in each country, as well as potentially participating in the Women Deliver Conference to be held in Rwanda next year. We also discussed finally meeting in person post-COVID for a strategic retreat in February and this planning is still under the works.

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NEWS

In Unity Our Advocacy Becomes a Chorus The women working to end violence in Vanuatu September 14, 2023
What comes to mind when you think of the Pacific? The rhetoric usually centres on happiness and holidays, cocktails by the beach and the cordial welcome received from locals wherever one may travel. The shout of Bula in Fiji, a Welkam in Vanuatu, or a Malo e lelei in Tonga. While that story does indeed ring true for many, there is another story that needs to be told: the work of an incredible cohort across the region working to combat, and end, all forms of violence against women. The Pacific region has some of the highest rates of violence against women in the world, with up to 68 percent of women having reported experiencing physical or sexual violence by a partner in their lifetime. This figure is more than twice the global average. Pacific Women Lead’s 2021 National Survey on Women’s Lives and Family Relationships evidenced amongst those women who have ever had an intimate sexual relationship with a partner in Vanuatu: 60 percent had experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime 68 percent had experienced emotional violence 28 percent were subjected to several forms of control by their partner 69 percent experienced at least one form of coercive control, and most of these were continuing to live lives involving physical and sexual violence Women are constantly at risk of violence and threats, regardless of where they are. Women are not safe on the streets, in their homes, at work, in places of study, places of worship, or places of recreation. Any small change is a step in the right direction The global Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls is a United Nations joint initiative supported by the European Union and other partners. The Spotlight Initiative in the Pacific focuses its work on four key pillars: Policy and legislation Institutions Prevention Data A comprehensive approach is being implemented within the Pacific nations through the targeting of multiple settings for change such as the education sector, government, churches, the justice sector, and civil society organisations (CSOs), and by working across a variety of levels of the socio-ecological model. UNDP’s support to Vanuatu via the Spotlight Initiative sees it working with small, grassroots organisations – making an impact from the ground up. Through the establishment of a grantee program, UNDP Pacific has undertaken a second phase and partnered with six grassroots organisations on empowering women in rural communities, initiating a range of activities that, in many cases, support service provision, innovative solutions and engagement activities that aim to provide information and basic services to those who otherwise lack access. These grants go a long way and have made significant impact thus far, with the program also identifying those grassroots organisations who have the capacity to engage communities nationwide in the provision of justice, health, and economic support services to survivors of intimate partner violence. However, in Vanuatu, it is a far greater challenge to change this deeply ingrained behaviour; it is the kind of change that requires more than the delivery of an awareness session in a small community, or within the nakamal, should deep, long-lasting behavioural change occur. The way we now frame the topic has completely changed And as a result, the narrative is now changing. For sustainable, long-term progress on ending violence against women, men, women, and children; young, old and those in between, all must unite in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). “The way we now frame the topic has completely changed, it’s no longer just a women’s problem. While the vast majority of perpetrators are men, if we want to make change, we need to realise that this can only be done via a whole-of-community approach,” said Dr. Astrid Kersten, Executive Director of Human Capacity Development International (HCDI). HCDI take a whole-of-community approach to their work, collaborating with village chiefs all the way through to younger members of the community. This approach sees a broad cross-section of voices and opinions accounted for, ensuring that through community buy-in the behaviour change work they undertake is sustainable in the long-term. As one of the recipient organisations (alongside their partner, Sista) to receive a grant via the Spotlight Initiative, HCDI and Sista focused on two key activities: The development of community resources to assist in community awareness development and collective action, related to reducing GBV; and To build on and promote the Stanap Strong website as a resource to support victims, families of victims, and the general population. HCDI and Sista are making inroads and inspiring change, no doubt, but Astrid still has moments of self-doubt as to just how much progress they are making on ending violence against women. “I do keep thinking, ‘is this really making a difference?’ It is still hard going, training and capacity building are still key right across Vanuatu, and we need continued support to help us beyond the Spotlight Initiative. “These grants may be small but with our work it doesn’t take a whole lot of money to ensure that we can have significant impact,” she said. When you lift up women you lift the entire community When the grassroots organisation Sista was established in 2016, its main purpose was to create a space for Ni-Vanuatu women to connect, share and uplift each other. Sista began its journey as an online magazine and over the past eight years has evolved into a women’s rights organisation driven by feminist values. Josephine Tarianga serves as Sista’s Resource Coordinator, a powerhouse of a young woman. Having worked as a journalist, at just 22 she is not only working with Sista, and Vanuatu’s We Rise Coalition, she is also studying a double degree of Law and Commerce with the University of the South Pacific. Blending her passions of media and communications with furthering women’s rights, Josephine says that just because you’re a feminist, it doesn’t equate to you not being committed to your community. “Things are still very male dominated here, but at the same time change is in the air. Women are the focal read more…

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VANGO Chairman Calls for NGO, CSO Registration Ahead of Mapping Exercise September 14, 2023
Mr. William Nasak, the chairman of the Vanuatu Association of Non-Government Organisations (VANGO), is calling on all Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) established in the provinces to register with VANGO before the mapping exercise visits begin. The mapping exercise will visit all six provinces with tentative dates across September and October, hosting workshops for NGO/CSOs to ensure there is better coordination between organisations and with government, increase NGO/CSOs visibility and align NGO/CSO programs and interventions to the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP). “The ultimate goal of the project, as the next step, is to develop a standardised reporting template for NGO/CSOs to ensure that their achievements and interventions in Vanuatu are recognised in the NSDP progress reporting,” Ms Abraham, Secretary General (SG) of VANGO, shared. “After the mapping VANGO will collaborate with the NGO desk office and the Department of Strategic Planning, Policy and Aid Coordination (DSSPAC) to bring this reporting template to life so NGO/CSOs can be acknowledged for their work.” As part of the mapping exercise, registered organisations will have the opportunity to complete Institutional Assessment Mapping (IAM). The IAM supports organisations to increase their profile as well as assess and map out their resources and organisational capacity, contributing to development effectiveness. This will be beneficial for wide range of stakeholders including the NGO/CSOs, international agencies and policy makers. Preparations for the provincial mapping visits are well underway with a pre-workshop to train enumerators (selected from current VANGO members) hosted on the 6th of September. To ensure the mapping is successful and reflects the wide range of NGO/CSOs across all provinces of Vanuatu, all community organisations should reach out to VANGO now to become members. VANGO acknowledges the DSSPAC Unit for the funding support to implement this exercise. It also extended its acknowledgement to the Government of Australia through the Oxfam Australia and Save the Children for the operational funding of VANGO. _________________________________________________________ SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Quai to Launch New EP Album and Raise Funds for Children’s Ward September 14, 2023
Vanuatu’s music icon, Vanessa Quai, is gearing up for a special concert on the 5th of October. The primary objective of this event is to unveil her highly anticipated Extended Play (EP) Album, while also mobilising resources to support the Children’s Ward. Miss Quai revealed that her inspiration for this charitable endeavour stemmed from a conversation with a doctor from the Children’s Ward. The doctor had shared the pressing need for a new heart-scanning machine dedicated to paediatric patients, as the current one is outdated and unreliable. “Upon learning of this critical need, I felt compelled to leverage my platform to raise funds and contribute to the Children’s Ward,” explained Quai. She announced the release of six exceptional songs, marked by the lyrical inspiration she has poured into them. These tracks are the result of collaborations with talented producers and featured artists. “After a hiatus of five years since my last album, ‘Light it up,’ I am excited to release new songs this year in the form of an EP album,” she said. The concert, slated for the Warwick Le Lagon, promises to be a delightful evening reminiscent of a buffet night. Attendees can savor a sumptuous buffet dinner and enjoy complimentary drinks while being entertained. Quai will grace the stage with an hour-long performance, followed by other esteemed artists from Port Vila, including Sheila Wilz, Dalinda, Max Albert, Tujah, and the KR dancers. Ms Quai disclosed ticket details, with adult tickets priced at VT7,000 and children’s tickets at VT5,000. Attendees are encouraged to hold onto their tickets, as there will be raffle prizes to be won, and some lucky patrons may even depart with a complimentary EP album. Quai encourages everyone to support the concert, adding the money spent on tickets not only grants access to an unforgettable event but also serves as a meaningful donation towards enhancing the Children’s Ward. “Your attendance will make a real difference in the lives of our young patients,” she said. _________________________________________________________ SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Consultation on GBV Response Marks Progress in Gender Equality Policy September 11, 2023
A consultation on the Multi-Service Delivery Protocol (MSDP) for responding to Gender-based Violence (GBV) against women and girls ended on Thursday this week. More than 20 partners were involved in the two-day consultation as the government of Vanuatu is taking strides to implement the first strategic area of the National Gender Equality Policy. The consultation was jointly hosted by United Nations (UN) Women and the Department of Women Affairs and aligns with the ongoing development of the National Policy on Gender Equality, which comprises five distinct strategic areas. The Acting Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Justice and Community Services (MOJCS), Pacco Siri, officially opened the two-day meeting on the 6th of September. Mr. Siri expressed his satisfaction in witnessing the dedication of partners and the national government to craft a comprehensive national document addressing the coordination of services for survivors, a vital necessity for victims and survivors of violence. The Acting DG shared a vision where all family members can reside in secure and safe environments, spanning homes, communities, islands, and the entirety of Vanuatu as a secure nation. The national consultation on MSDP builds upon earlier provincial consultations conducted in 2019 and 2020. However, the completion of this crucial work was delayed due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and a series of hurricanes in recent years. According to the MOJCS, Vanuatu’s current focus lies on strategic area 1, which aims to “eliminate discrimination and violence against women and girls”. The MOJCS also stated that within the Pacific region, Vanuatu grapples with one of the highest rates of GBV, with statistics revealing that 60 percent of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical and/or sexual violence during their lifetimes. “Additionally, 68 percent have encountered emotional violence, and 69 percent have been subject to coercive control by intimate partners. “The National Sustainable Development Plan 2030 identifies the importance of working together to address gender-based violence under the Society Pillar,” the Ministry reported. Reports from the Ministry show that during natural disasters the rate of GBV in Vanuatu is very high. _________________________________________________________ SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Vanuatu Introduces Provincial Disability Officers and Committees September 6, 2023
The Vanuatu Disability Desk and the Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP) embarked on a collaborative journey last month in a significant step towards bolstering support for persons with disabilities in Vanuatu. The visit spanned the provinces of TAFEA, SANMA, and PENAMA, marking a decisive moment for the nation’s commitment to inclusivity and rights, as well as to introduce newly recruited provincial disability officers. The VSP plays a crucial role as the primary funder of these recently established positions within the Ministry of Justice and Community Services (MoJCS) structure, operating under the Human Rights Unit. Furthermore, VSP extends financial and technical support to the Unit for the seamless implementation of activities aligned with the Government Sector Support and Strengthening Plan. The Disability Desk of the MoJCS expressed deep appreciation to the VSP for their invaluable cooperation and financial backing. This partnership signifies a concerted effort to drive positive change and enhance the lives of persons with disabilities. Among the key developments during this joint effort, the VSP discussed a comprehensive work plan with the newly recruited officers. This collaborative approach provides an opportunity to align priorities, emphasize the significance of the partnership, and collectively work towards achieving impactful outcomes throughout the implementation period. The strong partnership between the Disability Desk and VSP is further exemplified by their shared work plan. This strategic collaboration extends beyond the introduction phase, as both entities are committed to continuing their engagement and knowledge sharing in the future. Anticipating future endeavours, there are plans to extend similar introductions and deepen partnerships in other provinces. This approach fosters a rich exchange of knowledge and strategies, enabling these organisations to address disability-related challenges in Vanuatu effectively. These efforts align with the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP), known as the “People’s Plan.” All engagements and activities remain steadfastly in line with the three primary pillars of the NSDP, ensuring that progress is consistent with the nation’s overarching development goals. _________________________________________________________ SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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