Sista Library
Library
Welcome
Welcome to Sista Library. Our goal is for every ni-Vanuatu woman and girl to access information on a range of subject matters to make educated and empowering choices, and for the private sector, civil society, non-government organizations and government to be able to access gender related reports, legislation, policies, acts and referral systems in one location.
This library was made possible thanks to generous support of the We Rise Coalition.
Strategic Area 1: Eliminating Discrimination and Violence Against Women and Girls
60% of ni-Vanuatu women and girls will experience physical, sexual and emotional abuse in their lifetime. Justice systems and institutions can help safeguard women and children through legislative reforms and integrating survivor-centred services to support peace, protection and security among families, and healthy relationships between women and men.
Strategic Area 2: Enhancing Women’s Economic Empowerment and Skills Development
Promoting women’s financial independence and expanding employment opportunities for women ensures that women have equal opportunities of being active participants, contributors and beneficiaries in a just and well-functioning economy which is critical for the development of Vanuatu and contributes to family prosperity.
Strategic Area 3: Advancing Women’s Leadership and Political Participation
Women’s leadership and political participation is crucial for Vanuatu’s future security and nation-building. Women must equally participate in decision-making and governance must be gender-responsive. Support from organisations, men, and women is key to elevating women into leadership roles.
Strategic Area 4: Strengthening the Foundation for Gender Mainstreaming
Gender mainstreaming is a policy-making approach that considers women’s and men’s interests and concerns so that policies, programmes and projects benefit both women and men and enhance gender equality in Vanuatu.
Strategic Area 5: Fostering Gender-Responsive and Community Driven Solutions to Climate and Disaster Resilience
Community-owned and locally led environmental solutions, combined with humanitarian action and gender responsiveness in decision-making processes, will enhance safety, dignity, and rights for women, children and people with disabilities in emergencies.
Other
Education
Literacy and numeracy are fundamental to the empowerment of women and girls, and as such they need fair and equal access to education and training throughout their lives. Education of men and boys are pivotal in transforming discriminatory attitudes and practices, and in attaining equality and respect between men and women.
Health
Women and girls have the right to access nutritious food, safety and sexual and reproductive health, family planning, maternal and child health services, disability, services, medical facilities, counselling and support services. The importance of health in enabling women to be empowered cannot be understated.
Rural Women, Women and Girls with Disabilities and Diverse People
Special attention should be given to women and girls with disabilities, those who live in remote and rural areas and members of diverse communities due to the significant geographic, economic and social barriers they face in accessing education, health, employment, justice and other essential services.
Religion
Equality and dignity for all human beings are grounded in the theological premise of religion. However, traditional interpretations of biblical texts can reinforce socially assigned gender roles, often placing men as leaders while relegating women to submissive roles. This dynamic is prevalent in Christian communities, affecting relationships in homes, churches, and broader society. Such interpretations contribute to gender-based violence and domestic abuse, highlighting the urgent need for alternative perspectives that promote equality and dignity, ultimately aiming to transform these harmful narratives and foster healthier, more equitable relationships.