Vanuatu celebrated its 40th Independence this year and is expected to graduate from its least developed country status before 2021. Currently the country is experiencing an economic crisis due to the impacts of COVID19 and TC Harold. With the borders closed, thousands of people, particularly those in the tourism sector, have lost their jobs and businesses are struggling.
More than ever we are beginning to understand how important it is for Vanuatu to be self-reliant. However, we are also beginning to see new opportunities and starting to recognize the important roles women play in the informal and formal sector.
Studies have shown that when women participate in either the formal or the informal economy, their families, communities and countries become wealthier. When women are economically empowered, it is a development game changer.
But women’s economic empowerment will not just happen by magic. It requires that we address the drivers and causes of gender inequality, exclusion, and vulnerability. This means eliminating discriminatory laws, changing social and cultural norms that expect women to take on the lion’s share of home and family care, and ensuring that women participate in decision-making at all levels.[i].
There is no better time than NOW to make these changes, especially as we begin to visualize a world post-COVID19. What would Vanuatu look like if women were participating in the workforce? How would it change the dynamics in their families and communities? How would women’s participation bring about innovative ways to generate revenue?
Over the next two months we will be posing a series of questions that will explore how women’s economic empowerment is crucial for Vanuatu to be self-reliant, resilient and prosperous. The winning responses will get amazing prizes from women owned businesses in Vanuatu and there will be a new winner every week!
This is your opportunity to be as creative or structured as you want! You can submit an academic response, share an inspiring or personal story, provide a real-life example or use the sources provided to help you develop your answer (just make sure you quote your source!).
Guidance:
- Like Sista FB page
- Open to all
- Comment your answer below the post
- Bislama or English
- 300 words or less
- Be as creative or structured as you want! You can submit an academic response, share an inspiring or personal story, provide a real-life example or use the sources provided to help you develop your answer (just make sure you quote your source!).
[i] Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Pacific, SPC
Visit our Facebook page to enter!
