WHO WE ARE

Melanesian Women Today (MWT) is an Indigenous-led organization that is steadfast in its commitment to empowering Pacific Islander women and girls, placing them at the forefront of leadership, research, and community transformation across Melanesia. We are dedicated to driving lasting, impactful change through evidence-based research and innovative initiatives that advance education, health, entrepreneurship, and climate action. The escalating effects of climate change are particularly devastating to women and girls in Melanesia, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. To address these challenges, we must empower women to take leadership roles in crafting solutions that are grounded in their cultural traditions and ensure the long-term resilience of their communities.

Our mission is clear: to empower the next generation of women leaders while preserving and respecting the cultural values and traditions of the communities we serve. By ensuring that solutions remain true to what is inherently theirs, we foster a sense of ownership and pride in the transformative changes that take place. With regional headquarters in Vanuatu and chapters across Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Kanaky New Caledonia, and the broader Melanesian Pacific diaspora, MWT partners with local communities to design and implement programs that honor Indigenous knowledge, promote sustainable development, and drive systemic change.

Now more than ever, it is critical that we invest in the leadership of women and girls as agents of change in their communities. The time for action is urgent, and MWT calls for a unified commitment to advancing women’s leadership, protecting cultural heritage, and addressing the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change. Together, we can build resilient communities that not only survive the challenges posed by climate change but thrive while honoring the rich cultural legacies that define Melanesia.

 WHAT WE DO

Programs
At Melanesian Women Today (MWT), we center Indigenous women and girls' leadership through four key program areas: education, health, entrepreneurship, and climate action. Our programs are designed and contextualized from a Melanesian perspective, with women and girls from rural communities taking the lead. These women retain full ownership and autonomy over the programs, ensuring that the solutions developed are innovative and sustainable and address the root causes of social and cultural issues.

Our work is rooted in the recognition that women and girls are central to the fabric of Melanesian society. They are seen as the protectors, practitioners, and nurturers of culture, family, and community. Their roles in the environment and society add immeasurable value to our initiatives. We remain committed to preserving the social, cultural, economic, and political characteristics that are unique to each of the Melanesian countries we serve. We do this without altering or diminishing what is inherently theirs.

Education: Education is one of the cornerstones of our work. We prioritize the advancement of educational opportunities for women and girls, believing that education is a critical tool in unlocking leadership potential. Our programs aim to ensure that women and girls have access to culturally relevant, high-quality education that prepares them to be leaders in their communities. By creating an environment where education is valued and accessible, we help foster the next generation of women leaders who are equipped to address the challenges their communities face.

Health: In the health sector, we focus on improving the overall well-being of women and girls, with special emphasis on mental health, gender-based violence, and holistic health. We recognize the prevalence of mental health challenges and gender-based violence in the region and are committed to providing support and advocacy to address these issues. Our health initiatives provide women and girls with the tools, resources, and support needed to take control of their health, heal from trauma, and live fulfilled, empowered lives.

Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship is another vital program area where MWT works to empower women by building their capacity to create sustainable, income-generating businesses. We provide mentorship, financial education, and access to markets to help women entrepreneurs thrive. By fostering economic independence, we help women create opportunities for themselves and their families, contributing to the overall resilience of their communities.

Climate Action: Climate action is critical to the survival and well-being of Melanesian communities. Women, especially in rural areas, are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. MWT is committed to supporting women as leaders in climate resilience efforts. Our programs focus on sustainable environmental practices, climate adaptation strategies, and the protection of natural resources. We also prioritize the preservation of traditional ecological knowledge, ensuring that the wisdom passed down through generations is integrated into modern-day climate action efforts.

Across all these program areas, MWT ensures that women and girls are at the forefront, driving change and leading solutions that respect their cultural, social, and political identities. Their leadership role, as protectors and nurturers of their cultures, is integral to the success of our work. We are committed to supporting women and girls to lead, addressing local challenges while preserving the cultural heritage that defines their communities.

At MWT, we recognize that true transformation can only happen when communities come together. That is why we actively encourage our male counterparts to work alongside us. We believe that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a societal issue. When men and women collaborate, we can create lasting change that improves the lives of women and girls in our society. We strive to create safe and supportive spaces for both men and women to engage in dialogue and action, fostering mutual respect and partnership in the pursuit of shared goals. We believe in the profound leadership potential of women and girls to transform their communities. Our mission is to create a safe and supportive environment where women and girls can pursue their dreams and turn them into meaningful, community-driven change. Through our work in education, health, entrepreneurship, and climate action, we are building a future where women and girls are not only participants in the development of their communities but leaders shaping their destinies.


OUR VALUES

WHAT WE BELIEVE & WHY

At Melanesian Women Today (MWT), we center Indigenous women and girls’ leadership through programs that promote education, health, entrepreneurship, and climate action. Grounded in a Melanesian approach, our initiatives are designed by women and girls in rural communities, empowering them to autonomously address local challenges with sustainable, culturally-rooted solutions. By valuing their role as protectors of culture and community, we aim to support their leadership, helping them drive systemic change while preserving the distinct cultural, societal, and political identities of Melanesian countries and societies.

  1. Indigenous Leadership: Centering Indigenous women and girls acknowledges their deep understanding of local contexts and challenges. Their leadership ensures that solutions are culturally relevant and respectful.

  2. Focus on Education, Health, and Entrepreneurship: These areas are critical for empowering communities. Education fosters knowledge and skills, health ensures well-being, and entrepreneurship drives economic independence and resilience.

  3. Culturally-Rooted Solutions: Designing initiatives based on Melanesian cultural practices and values ensures that solutions are sustainable and accepted by the community. By embedding these principles into our approach, we ensure that our solutions are not only sustainable but also deeply aligned with Melanesian cultural norms. This integration fosters acceptance within the community and promotes harmony, enabling us to address local challenges effectively and respectfully.

  4. Autonomous Empowerment: Empowering women and girls to autonomously address local challenges promotes self-reliance and long-term impact.

  5. Preservation of Cultural Identity: Supporting leadership while preserving cultural, social, and political identities ensures that solutions are grounded in local traditions and strengthen community bonds.

  6. Climate Action: Climate change is an urgent issue that threatens the very livelihoods of Melanesian communities. Women and children, particularly in rural areas, are on the frontlines of climate impacts. At MWT, we recognize the critical role women play in climate action and resilience. We are committed to supporting women as leaders in mitigating climate change and adapting to its effects. Our programs focus on enhancing climate resilience, preserving natural resources, and integrating traditional ecological knowledge into modern-day climate action strategies. By empowering women in climate leadership, we are not only addressing the immediate environmental challenges but also ensuring that future generations inherit a more sustainable and resilient environment.

WHY CULTURALLY ROOTED SOLUTIONS?

Because LanGUAGe and Words Matter - using the right terminology is crucial when it comes to gender equality

To shift the paradigm of gender equality, it is crucial to move beyond divisive terminology. Investing in understanding what gender equality means from Pacific perspectives allows us to explain it in ways that resonate with Pacific values. This approach helps avoid the pitfalls of language that can be off-putting or divisive, and instead, focuses on meaningful engagement with cultural contexts.

Our goals are:

  1. Cultural Alignment: To develop solutions that are deeply rooted in Melanesian(Pacific) cultural values and practices.

  2. Community Acceptance: To ensure that our initiatives are embraced and supported by the community.

  3. Effective Problem-Solving: To address local challenges in a way that respects and integrates cultural norms.

  4. Clear Communication: To redefine gender equality in terms that resonate with Melanesian (Pacific) values and avoid divisive language.

We believe that these approaches not only address immediate needs but also build capacity and resilience for the future

THE CHALLENGE

While there is a strong emphasis on women’s empowerment and an increase in the number of women entering the formal economic sphere throughout Melanesia, they continue to face gender disparities on many levels - institutional, legal, and regulatory environments that continue to disadvantage them. Even though women are considered protectors, practitioners, nurturers, and guardians of traditional knowledge, they are regularly excluded from decision-making, and rarely engaged in training, development, or economic opportunities and politics.

STRONG MIND, STRONG HEALTH, STRONG VOICE

  • Women and girls are crucial contributors and potent agents of change to a society. Real change can only be achieved when all genders are included, working hand in hand to foster an environment that is inspiring to everyone. Despite the fact that they’re not always recognized - women’s contributions have changed the world in every imaginable way possible and continue to do so.

    At Melanesian Women Today, we value women’s role and potential in becoming champion change agents and leaders of their communities and environments. We believe that the contribution of women to a society's transition from preliterate to literate and from a relatively autonomous community to a member of a nation contributing to the world’s economy, and having equality is crucial in creating inclusive, open and prosperous societies in order to have lasting change. As a consequence, families who can adjust to new conditions or changes will fare the best when the economy and political landscape of a country and society changes. For women are the primary caretakers of young children and the environment. They play a pivotal role in encouraging or hindering change in family life and in society as a whole.

    WHAT ABOUT MEN?

    We believe that engaging men as agents of change is imperative in advancing gender equality. Gender equality can only be achieved if men and boys are part of working together with women and girls, to amend the dynamics that prohibits progress. The idea of engaging men and boys for gender equality is based on the belief that achieving gender equality is about altering unequal power relations between men and women. This involves challenging the status quo - the notions of masculinity and traditional perceptions of manhood. It means men have to take the responsibility to change by questioning the power dynamics in regards to their actions or their words on a personal, interpersonal, and on a societal level.

    Melanesian Women Today supports and encourages working with men as gender advocates - speaking out as active agents for change and stakeholders who can change social norms, behaviors, and gender stereotypes that promote discrimination and inequality.

  • A resilient and thriving Melanesia where every woman, girl, and child is empowered to lead a productive, healthy, and fulfilling life, grounded in their cultural values and traditions, driving transformative change across their communities.

  • Our mission is clear: we empower the next generation of women leaders across Melanesia to transform their communities through education, health, entrepreneurship, and climate action while preserving and honoring their cultural values and traditions.

  • In the attempt to improve the well-being and quality of life of women, girls, and families wherever we work, all our programs have at their foundation 3 essential pillars.

    Empower Women and Girls as Key change agents.

    Empower Women and Girls as Key agents to activate and mobilize individuals in their communities to build self reliance.

    Empower women and girls as key agents to engage and forge effective partnerships with their local government and community leaders.

  • Our projects throughout Melanesia are based on innovative holistic approaches, which empower women and girls living in rural villages to become the agents of change to achieve productive, healthy, and fulfilling lives through access to Education, Health, and Entrepreneurship.

    Education and Literacy:

    - Prioritizing enhanced literacy rates through targeted programs focusing on reading and writing skills.

    Library Initiatives:

    - Establishing community libraries to promote a culture of reading, learning, and knowledge-sharing, fostering intellectual development.

    STEM Education:

    - Advocating for STEM education to equip individuals, particularly women and girls, with skills for the modern world.

    Healthcare Initiatives:

    - Improving the Quality of Rural Health Care through enhanced infrastructure and services in rural areas.

    Preventative Healthcare for Women and Children:

    - Focusing on preventive healthcare measures, particularly for women and children, emphasizing maternal and child health to reduce mortality rates.

    HIV and AIDS :

    - Implementing awareness and support programs to address the challenges posed by HIV and AIDS, fostering a healthier community.

    Climate Change and Healthcare:

    - Recognizing the impact of climate change on health, working towards building resilience and adapting healthcare strategies to mitigate environmental effects.

    Empowering Women Through Social Entrepreneurship:

    - Supporting and promoting social entrepreneurship initiatives, providing women with tools and resources to start and sustain their ventures.

    Community Entrepreneurship Programs:

    - Focused on contributing to overall community well-being, creating economic opportunities, and fostering self-sufficiency.

    Examples of Community Entrepreneurship:

    - Community Gardens and Agriculture Projects

    - Health and Wellness Initiatives

    - Community-Owned Businesses

    - Cooperative Enterprises

    Indigenous and Local Community Entrepreneurship:

    - Supporting initiatives that draw from traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, celebrating the region's rich and diverse cultures and traditions. Aimed at strengthening identity and belonging, creating job opportunities, and generating income within the Melanesian context. Empowering women and communities to maintain their identity while revitalizing traditions.

  • Melanesian Women Today prioritizes the well-being and empowerment of women in the Melanesian region. Inspired by the Vanuatu development framework, they employ a set of well-being indicators rooted in Melanesian values. These indicators cover areas like education, health, and economic opportunities, aiming to address unique challenges faced by Melanesian women. The organization advocates for improved healthcare, social resilience, and community support. By utilizing their well-being indicators toolkit, they assess progress, identify areas for improvement, and collaborate to address gender inequalities. Their goal is to create a future where every Melanesian woman can achieve her potential and contribute meaningfully to her community. The indicators span categories such as access, knowledge, physical health, social resilience, gender equality, safety, and traditional governance.

    Click here for a more detailed explanation and precise well being indicators.

  • We are proud to serve the vibrant communities of Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Each of these regions holds a unique cultural tapestry, and our organization is committed to working in close collaboration with the local communities to address specific challenges and promote well-being. Explore this page to gain insights into our projects, partnerships, and the positive impact we strive to achieve in these diverse and culturally rich areas of the Pacific. Together, we are building a better future for the individuals and communities we proudly serve.

  • Melanesian Women Today seeks out existing programs in communities that want to grow into an organization but do not know how to formally create a non profit organization. Programs can take advantage of being part of Melanesian Women today by receiving fundraising and grant help, banking, accounting and record keeping, legal advice, reporting, and consulting as well as professional development which are all offered because of MWT’s non profit status.

    All programs are designed and contextualized from a Melanesian approach. The programs retain full ownership and operate autonomously. Program solutions to local issues need to be innovative, sustainable, and impactful at the systemic and root levels of social and cultural issues.

    1. WHAT IS YOUR PROGRAM ABOUT?

    Tell us what your program is about and how long it has existed.

    2. DO YOU HAVE 10-20 MEMBERS?

    All programs have to have at least 10 or more members to be considered a program under MWT.

    3. DO YOU HAVE A COMMITTEE AND A CHAIRPERSON?

    Each program needs to have a committee and a chairperson.

    4. WHAT IS YOUR MISSION AND GOALS?

    Tell us your program’s mission and goals.

    5. HOW DO WE WORK TOGETHER?

    Each program will have an MOU (memorandum of understanding) which is a formal agreement for how the program and Melanesian Women Today can work together.

    Interested in bringing your program to Melanesian Women Today?

    Fill out the form today!

  • Our Program Partnership Policies

    ALL PROGRAMS UNDER MELANESIAN WOMEN TODAY MUST ADHERE TO THE EIGHT CORE PRINCIPLES:

    AGENT OF CHANGE:

    MWT supports the right of women, girls/youth in Melanesia and recognize their efforts to become key agents of change and opportunities of being stewards of resources in their own respective communities and country.

    SOLIDARITY:

    We practice solidarity with the women and girls in Melanesia by ensuring anatomy and assisting with their right to self-determination based on their needs, priorities and visions for the future.

    RECIPROCITY:

    We heed to the Melanesian value of reciprocity that everything and everyone is interconnected, interdependent and interrelated. We believe that identity comes from connections, therefore putting an emphasis on “we” and “us”, and less on”I” and “me”.

    Our work with the women and girls is strongly rooted in the Melanesian value of reciprocity. Thus building relationships is important to MWT and is the foundation of our work, governed by an understanding of mutual respect; honest exchange, recognition of different roles and the shared responsibility of strengths and benefits.

    SELF-DETERMINATION:

    MWT values the rights of women and girls to self-determination as well as their right to determine their livelihood from a political, socially, culturally, and economic standpoint.

    Self-determination in our work in Melanesia is valued by working with the women and girl youth to determine their own economic, social, and cultural development as an agent of change and leaders in their communities. We provide a platform for them to exercise their rights and allow them to have full autonomy over their programs and provide resources to help them be successful.

    INCLUSIVENESS:

    We embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in our nonprofit’s operations, as well as model our three core values as we advance our mission. We believe that embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work is a way to intentionally make room for positive outcomes to thrive, whether in the nonprofit capacity building or public policy spheres.

    We adopt practices that promote inclusiveness, diversity, and equity for all and by being transparent in our internal dialogue and encouraging our staff and board members to reflect, listen to each other, and learn from each other’s experiences.

    NETWORKS, COLLABORATION AND ALLIANCES:

    At MWT, we believe in the power of strategic alliances; we advocate for healthy and effective inter-cultural collaborations, and encourage meaningful networks between the women, youth, island nations, other NGOs, and affiliated individuals and groups to be a force for change in enabling the women and girls of Melanesia to lead a productive, healthy, and fulfilling life in these three areas:

    Empower Women and Girls as Key change agents.

    Empower Women and Girls as Key agents to activate and mobilize individuals in their communities to build self reliance.

    Empower women and girls as key agents to engage and forge effective partnerships with their local government and community leaders.

    We do networking, collaboration, and alliances in our work by taking on the responsibility of being a grant driven organization. We host networks and spaces that embody cross cultural, supportive connections between Melanesian women, youth, and their potential allies.

    TRUST:

    We work to build positive, respectful relationships with the women and girls in Melanesia and their local communities as well as allies by investing in processes that foster lifetime relationships.

    Trust in our work is exhibited by entrusting the women and youth as the key agent of change in having full autonomy of the programs that are under the organization.

    TRANSPARENCY:

    We commit to being transparent to our values and programs by promising accountability and demonstrating excellence in our actions.

    Transparency in our work is practiced through self evaluation, continuous learning, and being strategic in our planning and collaboration on a regular basis while sharing our outcomes.

  • Click here for the Melanesian Women Today Constitution.

  • Volunteering Policy

    1. Volunteer Categories

    • Unpaid Volunteers: Volunteers who offer their time and skills freely without financial compensation.

    • Paid Volunteers: Volunteers who receive a stipend or honorarium for their services. These individuals may engage in longer-term or specialized tasks that require ongoing support.

    2. Volunteer Objectives

    Volunteers at MWT are integral to achieving our goals. Key objectives for volunteers include:

    • Supporting programs aimed at improving the well-being and quality of life for women and girls in Melanesia.

    • Acting as change agents by contributing to educational, health, and entrepreneurship programs.

    • Building strong relationships within communities and promoting sustainable development through Indigenous approaches.

    • Helping women and girls become empowered leaders in their communities and amplifying their voices in local, regional, and international arenas.

    3. Core Volunteer Principles

    All volunteers must adhere to MWT’s foundational principles:

    1. Agent of Change: Recognize and support the efforts of women and girls as key change agents in their communities.

    2. Solidarity: Stand in solidarity with Melanesian women and girls, supporting their right to self-determination and respect for their unique cultural and social context.

    3. Reciprocity: Uphold the value of reciprocity, acknowledging that everyone is interconnected and interrelated, with a shared responsibility to foster mutual respect and honest exchanges.

    4. Self-Determination: Promote the rights of women and girls to define their own futures politically, socially, economically, and culturally.

    5. Inclusiveness: Embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of MWT's operations, respecting different perspectives and fostering a collaborative spirit.

    4. Volunteer Code of Conduct

    Volunteers are expected to:

    • Act Professionally: Maintain respectful and professional conduct in all interactions with community members, staff, and fellow volunteers.

    • Respect Confidentiality: Protect the privacy of sensitive information regarding the women, girls, and communities with whom we work.

    • Be Culturally Sensitive: Show respect for local customs, values, and traditions, especially when working in Indigenous communities.

    • Uphold Integrity: Maintain honesty and transparency in all activities and communications related to MWT.

    5. Volunteer Responsibilities

    • Time Commitment: Volunteers should fulfill their agreed time commitments and notify their supervisor in advance if unable to attend or complete assigned tasks.

    • Compliance with Policies: Volunteers must adhere to MWT’s internal policies and procedures, including health and safety regulations.

    • Continuous Learning: Volunteers are encouraged to engage in training and learning opportunities to stay informed about MWT’s work, goals, and the communities we serve.

    • Contribution to MWT’s Mission: Volunteers should actively contribute to MWT’s objectives of empowering women and girls and supporting local leadership.

    6. Volunteer Rights

    • Respectful Treatment: Volunteers are entitled to work in an environment that is safe, respectful, and free from harassment or discrimination.

    • Clear Communication: Volunteers should receive clear communication about their roles, expectations, and any necessary training.

    • Support and Supervision: Volunteers will have access to appropriate support and supervision to ensure they can effectively contribute to MWT’s mission.

    • Opportunities for Growth: Volunteers can explore additional roles and responsibilities based on their skills, interests, and performance.

    7. Health and Safety

    • MWT is committed to providing a safe working environment. Volunteers will be briefed on any health and safety protocols, especially for fieldwork and remote locations.

    • Volunteers are responsible for following safety instructions and reporting any concerns or incidents immediately.

    8. Recognition and Rewards

    • Unpaid Volunteers: Volunteers will be recognized for their contributions through thank-you notes, public acknowledgments, and certificates of appreciation.

    • Paid Volunteers: Those receiving an honorarium will be acknowledged for their unique skills and contributions, ensuring transparency and fairness in compensation.

    9. Dispute Resolution

    • In the event of a conflict or grievance, volunteers are encouraged to address the issue with their supervisor or the Volunteer Coordinator.

    • If the matter cannot be resolved informally, volunteers may follow MWT’s formal grievance procedure.

    10. Termination of Volunteer Involvement

    • Voluntary Termination: Volunteers are free to end their engagement with MWT at any time but are encouraged to provide advance notice.

    • Organizational Termination: MWT reserves the right to terminate a volunteer’s involvement if they fail to meet their responsibilities, violate policies, or engage in misconduct.

    11. Commitment to Inclusivity

    MWT is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, including those from different cultures, gender identities, age groups, and levels of experience. All volunteers are expected to embody our core values of respect, equity, and unity in their service.

    At MWT, we believe that empowered women and girls are the foundation of a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Melanesia. Through our volunteer policy, we strive to ensure that all volunteers—whether paid or unpaid—contribute to our mission in a meaningful, ethical, and respectful way. Together, we can build a future where every woman, girl, and child in the Melanesian region leads a productive, healthy, and fulfilling life.

    For further information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator