3 days ago
Women Empowered To Lead Vanuatu's Green Energy Transition
Press Release – United Nations Development Programme
Around 30 women participated in the leadership workshops, which explored different leadership styles, gender equality, and the link between energy access and empowerment. The sessions were facilitated by UNDP with funding and strategic support from Japan.
Women leaders in Pentecost are stepping into the forefront of Vanuatu's green energy transformation, thanks to targeted training sessions delivered under the Vanuatu Green Energy Transformation Project (VGET), supported by the Government of Japan and implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
The training, held in the communities of Melsisi and Waterfall, focused on building women's leadership capacity, strengthening safeguarding practices, and raising awareness of grievance mechanisms. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to ensure that Vanuatu's transition to sustainable energy is inclusive, safe, and equitable.
Around 30 women participated in the leadership workshops, which explored different leadership styles, gender equality, and the link between energy access and empowerment. The sessions were facilitated by UNDP with funding and strategic support from Japan.
Japanese Ambassador to Vanuatu, His Excellency Naohisa Okuda said:
'The Government of Japan is proud to support initiatives that empower women and promote inclusive development. By investing in women's leadership in the green energy sector, we are helping to build resilient communities and a sustainable future for all.'
Women in rural Vanuatu often face barriers to participating in energy-related decision-making. By equipping them with leadership skills and knowledge of safeguarding policies, the VGET project is helping to close this gap and ensure women are not only beneficiaries but also drivers of change.
Joselyn Matan from Waterfall said:
'Before the training, I did not realise that I was already using some of these skills. Now, I feel more confident and know how to use different leadership styles in different situations.'
Crista Ben from Melsisi said:
'I learned valuable leadership skills and principles. I believe this training will help me in many areas – with my family, in the women's group I am a part of, and in supporting and organising my community.'
The training sessions also included safeguarding and grievance mechanism awareness to ensure all stakeholders – especially women – are informed about their rights and the processes available to voice concerns. Contractors and partners engaged under VGET are being trained to uphold UNDP's zero-tolerance policy on exploitation, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
As part of its broader gender equality commitment, the VGET project also conducted women-focused consultations to gather insights on energy needs, leadership aspirations, and the barriers women face in both areas. These consultations ensure that project design and implementation are responsive to the lived realities of women in rural Vanuatu.
Energy access and leadership opportunities are essential for advancing women's empowerment and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In Vanuatu, where women's specific energy needs are often overlooked in decision-making, initiatives like VGET are helping to close the gap – ensuring that the green transition is not only sustainable but also just and inclusive.
