YOUNG VOICE FOR CHANGE: HOPE FOR THE FUTURE - Empowering Young Leaders & Reshaping Women's Spaces in Vanuatu
On August 4, 2023, in alignment with the theme "Indigenous youth as agents of change for self-determination," an exciting collaboration unfolded in Vanuatu. Sista, in partnership with the We Rise Coalition, joined forces with Melanesian Women Today (MWT) to launch a dynamic Young Leaders Workshop. This intergenerational leadership workshop is designed to offer young leaders the opportunity to explore diverse leadership styles and identify the one that resonates best with their present environments. Furthermore, it delves into the pivotal roles, voices, and experiences of women, which play an instrumental role in shaping a unified future for Vanuatu. The workshop also emerges as a direct outcome of the widely recognized Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival (MACFEST) held in Port Vila, Vanuatu, from July 19-31, with the theme "Rebuilding My Melanesia for Our Common Destiny."
Under the guidance of Dr. Mere Tari Sovick, the esteemed director of MWT, the workshop embarked on a structured exploration of four essential questions. The outcomes have culminated in a comprehensive case study, now a powerful toolkit. Enriched by insights gathered from meaningful discussions among the participants, this toolkit is destined to be shared among interested Non-Governmental Organizations, the Government of Vanuatu, and private entities, fostering widespread empowerment.
The impact of this initiative extends beyond the immediate workshop horizon. The young leaders will have the chance to advance their leadership journey through an online platform thoughtfully crafted by a professional instructional designer at MWT. Additionally, the comprehensive case study and toolkit will be hosted on the MWT website, serving as a dynamic repository for ongoing growth and empowerment.
Nurtured and framed by indigenous methodologies, the MWT's Workshop Toolkit emerges as an innovation beacon. This tailor-made toolkit caters to NGO workshops and community partnerships across Melanesia and the Pacific. Enriched by indigenous knowledge and storytelling, it facilitates a seamless reconnection between participants and their heritage. This journey of rediscovery engenders insights rooted in tradition and cultural wisdom.
Within the overarching theme of "Indigenous youth as agents of change for self-determination," these indigenous approaches carry immense significance. They serve as bridges to authentic insights into community dynamics, intergenerational bonds, and gender dynamics. In stark contrast to conventional Western methodologies, these approaches produce outcomes that resonate profoundly with participants' perspectives, yielding remarkably impactful action points and a sense of ownership over the generated data.
The Sia Raga Kastom Mat ceremony, a ceremonial prelude led by Edgar Hinge from the Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta (Vanuatu Cultural Centre), resonates with the heartbeat of deep respect and a cultural kinship. Dr. Sovick, honoring her matrilineal journey with the Bule tribe, acknowledges the symphony of duality woven into the Sia Raga conceptual tapestry, where all aspects embrace two 'sides' (tavalu). This gesture of acknowledgment extends to her paternal (tavalu) side, a rhythm of reciprocal respect offered to the Tabi tribe, in harmony with the spirit that resonates within Sia Raga kastom.
Notably, the initiative's reach extends beyond the confines of the workshop. Young leaders can perpetuate their learning journey through an online platform curated by MWT. Additionally, the toolkit and case study will be accessible via the MWT website, offering a lasting resource for sustained growth and empowerment.
The workshop emerged as a pivotal platform for emerging Indigenous leaders. It not only ignited an exploration of diverse leadership styles rooted in current contexts but also facilitated an immersive dive into the pivotal roles, voices, and experiences of women, sculpting a promising and interconnected future.
With fervor, participants engaged in the four pivotal questions, sparking illuminating dialogues that deepened their understanding of gender dynamics, furthering the cause of equality and inclusivity within Melanesian societies:
✨ How do you perceive the roles of youth and women within your cultural context?
✨ Does your culture offer sufficient space for the expressions of youth and women?
✨ To what extent are the voices of youth and women amplified within your communities?
✨ How does the state of mental health influence the roles of youth and women in your community?
This dialogue, embraced by enthusiastic participants who epitomize the essence of Indigenous youth as transformational agents, was truly inspiring. We extend a sincere "tank yu tumas" to all who contributed to this remarkable workshop! We hold the conviction that you departed with a rejuvenated sense of inspiration and an unflinching dedication to advancing your leadership journeys.
#YoungLeadersVanuatu #EmpoweringYoungLeaders #IndigenousYouthForSelfDetermination
Pic Credits: MWT & SISTA
We extend our gratitude to our talented artists and illustrator, MaryLou Mahe, for her exceptional work in designing our leadership poster.
The Sia Raga Kastom Mat ceremony, a ceremonial prelude led by Edgar Hinge from the Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta (Vanuatu Cultural Centre), resonates with the heartbeat of deep respect and a cultural kinship. Dr. Sovick, honoring her matrilineal journey with the Bule tribe, acknowledges the symphony of duality woven into the Sia Raga conceptual tapestry, where all aspects embrace two 'sides' (tavalu). This gesture of acknowledgment extends to her paternal (tavalu) side, a rhythm of reciprocal respect offered to the Tabi tribe, in harmony with the spirit that resonates within Sia Raga kastom.
We commend the Sista organization for their exceptional collaboration with the We Rise Coalition and our team at Melanesian Women Today Vanuatu. This partnership has been instrumental in bringing forth a remarkable Young Leaders Workshop. Your dedication to this endeavor is truly commendable.
