Women seek support to complete community centre, expand livelihoods

Jun 25, 2026 | News | 0

Women in the Vatueulu Area Council in South Ambae are calling for assistance to complete a community building they hope will serve as a centre for handicrafts, training, social activities, and income-generating opportunities.

Women’s representative Christel Mabon said the building was constructed through community support and is intended to become a dedicated space for mothers and women in the area.

Ms Mabon said the facility contains three rooms, each designed for a specific purpose.

One room will serve as guest accommodation for visitors to the community.

Another will function as a meeting and activity space where women can gather for social events, sewing, weaving, and other activities.

“The room will also be available for organisations, government agencies, and other groups that may wish to conduct training sessions or workshops with mothers in the community,” she said.

The third room has been designated as a kitchen area. Ms Mabon said women hope to install stoves and gas equipment to support cooking activities and community events.

“The kitchen will allow us to prepare meals for guests and visitors, as well as support other activities that require cooking facilities,” she said.

Despite progress, Ms Mabon said the building is not yet complete and additional support is needed to finish the project.

One of the main outstanding tasks is cementing and finishing the floor. She said some of the unfinished work resulted from the departure of the area administrator who had previously supported the project.

Ms Mabon also highlighted the need for financial assistance to support the women’s association and its activities.

She said funding would help mothers purchase materials for community projects and income-generating activities.

She also appealed to non-governmental organisations (NGOs), charities, and development partners to consider donating sewing machines to the community.

“Sewing machines are one of our biggest needs.

“Many women are interested in learning sewing skills, and having access to machines would help us develop these skills and create opportunities for income generation,” she said.

Ms Mabon said the community continues to face challenges in accessing basic services and resources needed for development.

She said support for the women’s centre would not only benefit mothers but also strengthen the wider community by creating opportunities for training, skills development, and economic empowerment.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Skills competition brings Pacific nations together in Vanuatu October 21, 2026
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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…

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