Episode 40: Workplace Sexual Harassment

Workplace sexual harassment isn’t just about unwanted advances or inappropriate jokes—it’s about power, control, and the violation of personal boundaries. It’s defined by its impact on the victim, not the intent of the perpetrator. Yet, it remains underreported, especially in environments where power imbalances make it difficult for victims to speak up. The effects are devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues. But there is hope. Around the world, people are raising their voices, demanding change, and holding perpetrators accountable.

In this episode, we’ll explore the realities of workplace sexual harassment, its psychological and physical impacts, and the progress being made to combat it. We’ll also provide resources and support for those affected.

GUEST: Joining us today is Gabrielle Tor, a passionate advocate for women’s rights, a certified counselor, and the Health Lead for Melanesian Women Today. With her expertise, we’ll dive deeper into the psychological impact of workplace harassment and explore ways to create safer, more equitable workspaces.

Resources for Listeners:

If you or someone you know is experiencing workplace sexual harassment, here are some resources and organizations that can help:

General Resources:

• Familiarize yourself with your workplace’s rules and regulations on sexual harassment.

• Speak with a superior or union representative about your concerns.

• If you are under immediate threat, contact your local police force.

Country-Specific Resources:

• U.S.A:

• RAINN: Chat online at rainn.org/ThatsHarassment or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673).

• New Zealand:

• Work Safe New Zealand: Visit worksafe.govt.nz or call 0800 030 040 (24 hours).

• Australia:

• Safe Work Australia: Visit safeworkaustralia.gov.au for information.

• 1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732 for counselling and support.

• Solomon Islands:

• International Women's Development Agency: Visit iwda.org.au.

• Family Support Centre: Call 26999/20619 or (677) 26999 for legal and support services.

• Fiji:

• Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission: Visit fhradc.org.fj or call 330 8577.

• Vanuatu:

• Vanuatu Women’s Centre: Call their free line at 161.

• Papua New Guinea:

• 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain: Call or text 7150 8000 for counselling and support.

Crisis Support Lines:

• Australia: Lifeline Australia at 13 11 14.

• New Zealand: Helpline at 1737 or TAUTOKO Crisis Line at 0508 828 865.

• U.S.A.: National Crisis Line at 988.

• Vanuatu: Youth Toll-free HELPLINE at 087777 or call 111.

• Fiji: LifeLine Fiji’s Crisis Helpline at 1543.

• New Caledonia: SOS écoute at 05 30 30.

• Papua New Guinea: 1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain at 7150 8000.
  Workplace sexual harassment is a pervasive issue, but awareness and action can drive change. By supporting survivors, advocating for stronger protections, and fostering safe environments, we can create workplaces where everyone feels respected and valued.

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others and consider reaching out to the resources mentioned. Together, we can break the silence and build a better future.

Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll continue to explore critical issues affecting communities worldwide.

This episode introduces a new segment in our Coming to the Mat series for 2025, spotlighting climate change and other pressing issues reshaping the Pacific's political landscape, such as deep-sea mining.

Recorded last year and released today, this timely discussion underscores the urgency of fostering awareness and dialogue at national and community levels.

We are joined by Dr. Tarcisius Kabutaulaka, a renowned political scientist and proud son of the Weather Coast of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. Dr. Kabutaulaka holds a PhD from the Australian National University and undergraduate and MA degrees from the University of the South Pacific (USP). He joined the Center for Pacific Islands Studies in 2009 and served as its director from 2018 to 2021. Before that, he was a Research Fellow at the East-West Center’s Pacific Islands Development Program and taught history and political science at USP.

With extensive experience as an academic, editor, and consultant, Dr. Kabutaulaka has worked with governments, NGOs, and international organizations across the Pacific. His work covers topics such as governance, the Solomon Islands civil unrest, regional interventions, the forestry industry, and China's influence in Oceania. He is also a peace negotiator, having played a key role in the 2000 Townsville peace talks following conflicts in the Solomon Islands.

In this episode, Dr. Kabutaulaka shares his insights on how the pursuit of deep-sea resources is reshaping the region’s geopolitics, governance, and environmental policies.

This conversation continues the dialogue from a webinar hosted by Pacific Peoples’ Partnership last year, featuring distinguished speakers:

• Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, then Minister of Climate Change in Vanuatu, advocating for a moratorium on deep-sea mining.

• Dr. Catherine Coumans, Research Coordinator at MiningWatch Canada, highlights the dangers of seabed mining.

• Dr. Keron Niles, a lecturer at the University of the West Indies, specializes in sustainable policy and green energy transitions.

Join us as we revisit this vital discussion, amplifying Pacific voices and fostering collective action to navigate these complex challenges. 

Music Credit: https://youtu.be/QXE4LsEMCP4?si=9dtbmbG-QQmrNsAo

"Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now" with Koteka Wenda

This year’s Human Rights Day theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” calls for urgent and collective action to address global human rights challenges. In this deeply moving episode of Coming to the Mat, we are honored to welcome Koteka Wenda—storyteller, cultural performer, and spokesperson for the Free West Papua Campaign.

This conversation is raw and unfiltered, diving into the heart of Koteka’s journey. As the daughter of Benny Wenda, a leading voice in the West Papuan independence movement, Koteka has lived a life shaped by her people’s struggle against Indonesian colonial rule, systemic human rights violations, and genocide. Her story of displacement and relentless advocacy shines a light on the emotional toll and unyielding courage behind the fight for justice.

Koteka’s reflections also reveal the powerful influence of her mother, whose unwavering strength and sacrifices ensured the safety and security of their family during the darkest times. In a heartfelt tribute, Koteka applauds her mother, Maria Wenda, as “a strong West Papuan woman, an incredibly supportive wife to our Bapa, and a real mama bear to us, your children. We love you to Wamena and back.” Her words honor the quiet yet profound resilience of West Papuan women who hold their families together in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Now living in exile in the United Kingdom, Koteka carries the hopes of her people while navigating the complexities of advocacy as a young Melanesian woman. Her voice brings an unparalleled authenticity to the themes of freedom and self-determination, echoing the urgency of this year’s Human Rights Day message.

Throughout this episode, Koteka opens up about the weight of her father’s legacy, the personal sacrifices of her advocacy journey, and the role of women as transformative agents in movements for liberation. With raw honesty, she recounts the emotional challenges of standing up for an oppressed nation and reflects on the power of resilience and collective action in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Join us as we sit down with Koteka in this deeply emotional and eye-opening conversation. Together, we storian—sharing truths, struggles, and aspirations for a world where human rights and freedoms are not just ideals but lived realities.

This episode is more than a story of resistance; it’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the urgency of solidarity, and the unyielding hope for freedom. Tune in and be moved by the powerful voice of Koteka Wenda and the message she brings to the world.

Music Credits:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuB9bU5vRt0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faJfu-FJVt0

Connect @: https://www.instagram.com/kolaliwenda/

In this episode of Coming to the Mat, we’re excited to share with you the inspiring journey of Julie Qilabasa Alakalia, a Health Information System professional from the Solomon Islands. Julie, who works with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, has accomplished so much in her field. But behind the achievements is a story of self-doubt and the courage to step into leadership roles despite battling imposter syndrome.

Julie recently represented the Solomon Islands as part of the U.S.-Pacific Rising Leaders Fellowship, an incredible opportunity that took her to Washington, D.C., for three weeks of learning, networking, and personal growth. This fellowship, aimed at empowering mid-career public service professionals from Pacific Island nations, marked her first-ever visit to the U.S. and opened up a world of possibilities for her leadership journey.

In this episode of COMING TO THE MAT, Meiva Vuniwai, a counselor and psychotherapist from Fiji and a key member of the MWT Health Team, sits down with Julie to talanoa about her journey. Meiva who has experience in public health as well brings her own unique perspective to the conversation, creating a space where Julie reflects on what it took to step out of her comfort zone and into a global leadership stage.

Tune in to hear a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about overcoming self-doubt, embracing challenges, and what it truly means to rise as a leader in the Pacific. This is a story that will resonate with anyone who’s ever doubted their own potential!

Music Credit

Komuhauru Panpipe Band - Solomon Islands

This episode of Coming to the Mat with Dr. Mere Tari Sovick features Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu's Special Envoy for Climate Change and Environment, a leading advocate for small island nations in the global climate movement. Recorded during Ralph’s transit back to Vanuatu from the Netherlands via Brisbane, the conversation highlights the urgent need for climate action in the Pacific. Ralph and Dr. Mere discuss Vanuatu’s efforts to reshape global climate governance, including the landmark International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion seeking accountability from major greenhouse gas emitters. They reflect on the disappointing outcomes of COP 29, particularly the inadequate climate finance commitments, and analyze how a successful ICJ opinion could clarify state obligations under international law and empower global climate litigation. The discussion also touches on the significant challenges Vanuatu faces, such as recurrent climate disasters, rural-urban migration, and political instability, which hinder development and resilience efforts. Finally, Ralph celebrates the role of Pacific youth, including the Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change, in driving momentum for advocacy, emphasizing the importance of empowering the next generation to lead the charge for a sustainable and just future.

Music Acknowledgement:  Mata Sangvulu from Raga Island - Song about Water

Melanesian Women Today is a non profit organization who relies on donations to do it’s work. Please visit www.melanesianwomentoday.org/donate to make a donation today.

In this episode of COMING TO THE MAT WITH Dr. MERE TARI SOVICK, we explore Vanuatu’s exceptional achievement of securing the number one spot on the Happy Planet Index (HPI) for the second time. This significant milestone, celebrated widely in Vanuatu and internationally, underscores the country's commitment to sustainable well-being and environmental stewardship.

We delve into the details of Vanuatu's approach with insights from Jamie Tanguay, Project Advisor for Melanesian Well-being at the Vanuatu Bureau of Statistics. Jamie’s extensive background includes his role as a former Peace Corps Volunteer and his current work focusing on economic development and well-being research in the Pacific region.

Join us as we discuss the factors contributing to Vanuatu’s HPI success, the cultural values that shape their environmental practices, and the broader implications for global sustainability efforts. Learn how Vanuatu's journey on the HPI reflects its dedication to preserving its cultural heritage and pristine environment while achieving balanced and sustainable development.

For more information: https://vbos.gov.vu/vanuatu-regains-top-spot-happy-planet-index

Credit to Vanuatu Kaljoral Sentafor Music by Edgar Hinge for the music provided in this episode.

In this episode of COMING TO THE MAT, hosted by Dr. Mere Tari Sovick, we spotlight Ms. Lydia Garae, a pioneering Ni-Vanuatu student in the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program at Saginaw Valley State University, Michigan. Our podcast celebrates Pasifika women making impactful changes, and Lydia’s journey exemplifies this spirit.

Lydia shares her experiences, from tackling language barriers and cultural adjustments to embracing new ideas. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the incredible opportunities that studying abroad can offer. We hope her journey inspires other students from Vanuatu and the Pacific, especially young girls, to pursue their dreams and seize opportunities like the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program supported by the US Government.

Tune in to hear Lydia's inspiring story and discover how studying abroad can open doors to new worlds, new friendships, and new possibilities!

Welcome to 'COMING TO THE MAT,' on Pacific Diaspora in the Spotlight, where we dive deep into the lives and stories of Pacific islanders making waves in the diaspora. In today's episode for 2024, we're honored to explore the fascinating world of psychology with Gabrielle Tor, a compassionate student counselor on her journey to a Masters in Applied Clinical Psychology at Pacific University in the State of Oregon in the US. Join us as we uncover her experiences, her unwavering dedication to supporting survivors of domestic violence, and her mission to ensure psychology care embraces diversity." Clinical psychology is all about helping people deal with mental health challenges. To become a clinical psychologist, you usually need a bachelor's degree, and many also go for a doctoral degree (like a Ph.D. or Psy.D.). This path involves practical training, like internships, and getting licensed to practice. Clinical psychologists work in different places, from hospitals to private practices, where they help individuals facing mental health struggles. They may specialize in areas like child psychology or forensic psychology. Essentially, studying clinical psychology means learning psychological theories, research methods, and practical skills to assist those with mental health concerns. She leaves us with the question to ponder on: How can we ensure that psychology care is inclusive and supportive of diverse communities in the US?

In this episode of "COMING TO THE MAT '' titled "Breaking Barriers: The Journey of Malakai Obed," host Dr. Mere Tari Sovick puts the Pacific diaspora in the spotlight. She shares the incredible story of Malakai Obed, a young man living in Utah, USA, with roots in the island of Paama, Vanuatu. Malakai has made history as the first ni-Vanuatu to serve in the United States Marine Corps. Dr. Sovick delves into Malakai's inspiring journey, highlighting his unique experiences as a Marine and the significant impact of Pacific Islanders in their new homes and places of origin. This episode celebrates the strength, culture, and achievements of Pacific diaspora members, particularly the ni-Vanuatu community in the US, showcasing their unity and progress. It also provides insights into the role of the Marine Corps within the broader context of the United States Armed Forces.

Credit to PBS for the US Marines documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMcKywS-nz4

Thanks for Malakai's mom Jamie Obed Rowley for participating.

Welcome to another captivating episode of "Coming to the Mat" with your host, Dr. Mere Tari Sovick! In this episode, we have the honor of welcoming Ralph Regenvanu, a prominent advocate from Vanuatu, as our special guest. Ralph is a remarkable individual with diverse talents and passions, transcending the realm of politics through his roles as an esteemed artist and anthropologist. His unwavering advocacy for cultural preservation has earned him a global platform, where he actively shapes discussions on diversity.

Ralph's journey has been shaped by a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Vanuatu and its neighboring countries. With his expertise in anthropology and development studies, he has dedicated his life to unraveling the intricate connections between culture, tradition, and progress. Being the first Ni-Vanuatu anthropologist, Ralph brings invaluable insights into the diverse dynamics of the region, particularly within Vanuatu.

During his recent visit to Seattle, Washington, Dr. Mere Tari Sovick had the privilege of interviewing Ralph before his return to Vanuatu. The aim was to gain valuable insights from him on pressing issues that not only impact Vanuatu but also the entire Pacific region. These issues include climate change, economic development, and political sovereignty.

In their conversation, Dr. Mere Tari Sovick and Ralph delved into various aspects of Ralph's life. They explored the profound influence of his parents' involvement in Vanuatu's anti-colonial independence movement during his upbringing in the 1970s. They also discussed the significant role played by Melanesian traditional values in shaping Vanuatu's development. Ralph's journey as a renaissance individual was highlighted, covering his work as an anthropologist, Director of the Cultural Centre, lawyer, and his current position as the Minister of Climate Change, Adaptation, Meteorology and Geohazards, Energy, Environment, and Disaster Risk Management for Vanuatu.

The focus of their conversation centered around the urgent challenge of climate change and its impact on Vanuatu and the wider Pacific region. Ralph provided profound insights into the steps needed to address this pressing issue, emphasizing the importance of sustainable resource management and inclusive growth for the benefit of all members of society. Furthermore, Ralph shared his views on strategies to assert political sovereignty and autonomy for Vanuatu and other Pacific nations, highlighting the current geopolitical dynamics in the region and the need for political reform.

The conversation also explored the critical role of traditional knowledge and practices in preserving the environment and promoting indigenous sustainable development. Ralph emphasized the integration of traditional resource management approaches with modern methods, finding ways to harmonize them for the benefit of communities in Vanuatu. They also discussed the importance of including women in decision-making processes related to biodiversity and traditional resources, particularly within the four legs of the community, as Ralph referred to it.

Moreover, the significance of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by Vanuatu and the wider Pacific region was highlighted. Ralph shed light on the power of partnerships and collective action in realms such as climate change and economic development. Despite contributing a minuscule amount to global greenhouse gas emissions, small Pacific island nations like Vanuatu are actively working to safeguard their economies and protect future generations from the impacts of climate change. However, challenges exist in receiving promised development assistance from wealthier countries, leading Vanuatu to explore new alliances with countries like China and India.

Additionally, the Government of Vanuatu led a year-long campaign resulting in a historic decision at the UN General Assembly. The Assembly unanimously requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to issue an Advisory Opinion on the legal obligations regarding climate change. This decision signifies Vanuatu's determination to seek justice and find legal avenues to address the impacts of climate change.

Want to join MWT as a member? Members get ad free episodes of this podcast and more. Head over to https://www.melanesianwomentoday.org/member to learn more and join. This podcast is 100% member supported. This work cannot be done without you, our members. Thanks for considering purchasing a membership today.

Traditional Music Credit to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag5SxFBp3Po