Disaster Management Officer Betsy Manliwos said she has worked in the Provincial Disaster Office since 2019, often alongside male colleagues in demanding environments.

“As a woman working in disaster management, I have faced many challenges, especially in a male dominated workplace,” she said. “There are times when women are not taken seriously, particularly during emergency responses, but our role is important in saving lives and supporting communities.”

Ms Manliwos said women bring valuable perspectives to disaster response, particularly in understanding the needs of families and vulnerable groups during emergencies. However, she said social attitudes still limit women’s participation.

“In many communities and workplaces, men dominate decision making. Women’s voices are often overlooked or silenced,” she said. “But when women are given the opportunity to contribute, they can play an important role in strengthening disaster response and building resilient communities.”

She said changing mindsets remains one of the biggest challenges, especially among traditional leaders and those who strongly uphold customary beliefs.

“We need to support women to stand strong and be resilient,” Manliwos said. “Disasters affect everyone, and women must be part of response and leadership.”

Balancing professional duties with family expectations is another challenge faced by many women. Ms Manliwos described the demands of her role, which often requires long hours, including night time emergency coordination and search and rescue operations.

“Even when I work late into the night coordinating emergency responses, I still carry responsibilities at home,” she said. “Despite these challenges, I continue because I know my role helps save lives and support the community.”

She described her leadership approach as one based on responsibility rather than authority.

“A leader is not just a boss,” she said. “It is about taking responsibility, working with others, and serving the community. Every role I carry is about helping people and making a difference.”

Manliwos also called for stronger gender equality within government structures, saying more women should be considered for leadership roles based on their capacity and potential.

“We need to advocate more for gender equality and ensure men and women work together,” she said. “Development can only happen when both voices are heard.”

Meanwhile, Lin Rose Tule, who has worked with the TORBA Counselling Centre for more than 14 years, said community awareness and education are key to changing perceptions about women’s roles.

She said workshops and advocacy programmes play an important role in addressing gender based violence and promoting women’s participation in leadership.

“In many communities, leadership is still seen as a role for men, while women are expected to focus on household duties,” she said. “This mindset has been passed down over generations.”

Ms Tule said efforts are being made through community awareness programmes, school outreach, and engagement with youth and church groups to promote gender equality and human rights.

“We need to educate young people and change mindsets from an early age,” she said. “When communities understand that women have the same rights and abilities, they will begin to accept women in leadership roles.”

She said collaboration between community leaders, youth groups, churches, and women’s organisations is essential in driving change.

“Working together will help society accept women as leaders and create opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully,” she said.

However, resistance remains in some areas. Chairman of the Serenget Council of Chiefs, Chief George Augustus, expressed a more traditional view when asked about the role of women in leadership.

He said women can be allowed to take on leadership roles, but should not be the main leaders, saying women are traditionally expected to serve as caregivers and supporters within the household.

Despite this, he acknowledged that in TORBA Province there has been gradual progress, with more women taking up roles in some areas of community life.

As discussions continue, the evolving role of women in TORBA reflects the ongoing tension between tradition and progress, with advocates calling for greater inclusion, equal opportunities, and a shift in societal attitudes to empower women across the province.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST