The Ministry of Justice and P&O Cruises in partnership with Balance of Power have joined forces to celebrate the success and achievement of women across all walks of life in Vanuatu.

P&O Cruises last year commissioned a series of short films celebrating the achievements of ni-Vanuatu women across justice, education, business, health and sporting sectors.

P&O will present the “Strong Women Vanuatu” series as a gift to Vanuatu on the occasion of its 40th birthday as an independent nation, with Prime Minister Bob Loughman to open the Festival at 5 pm tomorrow at Seaside Showground in Port Vila.

“The women of Vanuatu are the backbone of communities and deserve to be celebrated in this important year for the country,” said Ms Sandy Olsen, P&O Cruises’ Vice President of Corporate Affairs. “Each of these women have important stories to tell of strength, resilience and overwhelming success, and are amazing role models in their communities.”

10 strong women, from across the country have shared their stories which will premiere at a a open-air screening in Port Vila at Seaside Market on July 8 at 5 pm. Ahead of the launch, Vanuatu Olympian and champion of Zumba, Anolyn Lulu, will hold an outdoor class at Seaside marketplace starting at 4 pm.

“I am a strong woman, because I believe in myself and the abilities that I have,” said Anolyn.

Anna Naupa, country director of the Australian Pacific Training College, and another of the 10 women who told her story as part of the series says, “You may not think you are a strong woman, or maybe you are shy but every woman in Vanuatu, every girl-child, has inner strength.”

The Balance of Power initiative, which supports Pacific Island governments in achieving their objectives of inclusive and effective leadership, is a festival partner. The Strong Women of Vanuatu Travelling Film Festival will Premiere live in Port Vila and on the VBTC at 5 – 6 pm, on July 8, before travelling to Santo, where it will be screened in Luganville, Hog Harbour, Malo, Tangoa and Pakataura. In August, it will travel to Pentecost, to Ataftpanga in the north and then to Melsisi.

“Women have shown great courage and resilience in the face of TC Harold and Covid 19, said the Director General of the Ministry of Justice and Community Services, Dorosday Kenneth Watson.”I am thrilled we are able to take this festival to cyclone affected communities to showcase the strength and opportunity that women bring in all situations in life.”

Santo

Luganville: Friday July 10

Malo, Saturday, July 11

Hog Harbour, Sunday July 12

Tangoa, Monday July 13

Pakataura, July 14

Pentecost

Ataftapanga, August 6

Melsisi, August 8

For more information, please contact Ginny Stein: ginny.vanuatu@gmail.com, Ph: 545 3046