The Nation-Builders: Celebrating Women in Public Service booklet to mark International Women’s Day 2021 follows closely on the heels of the photographic exhibition commemorating Vanuatu’s 40th Independence in July 2020. Developed through a collaboration between the Public Service Commission and the Department of Women’s Affairs under the Ministry of Justice and Community Services, it is supported by the Australian Government-funded Balance of Power initiative in partnership with Sista.
The booklet documents stories and images of ni-Vanuatu women currently employed by the Public Service Commission in management and leadership positions. It also recognises the significant contribution made by public servants not engaged through the Public Service Commission directly but through statutory bodies, including the Teaching Services Commission, the Police Services Commission and the Judicial Services Commission. The booklet highlights the trailblazing example set by the Public Service Commission in accelerating gender equality, by giving women the opportunity to move into key senior management roles in line with their skills and experience. It is a celebration of these women who are currently instrumental in policy setting and implementation of the development agenda of Vanuatu.
The overall aim is to not only celebrate these achievements, but to demonstrate through these stories that women are capable of breaking through conventional leadership stereotypes to make positive change that benefits Vanuatu society as a whole. The goal is therefore to increase both men’s and women’s understanding of women’s legitimacy as leaders across all domains and demonstrate the value of inclusive leadership for everyone.
Although the stories and experiences of the women in this booklet are varied, some common themes run
throughout. These women are planners and strategic thinkers. Many women speak of their sense of responsibility as mothers that drives their performance. The nurturing and caring nature of these women translates into their leadership and mentoring style. The centrality of faith to their wellbeing and decision-making is also evident. There are stories of decisions women make to further their career options and opportunities. And equally, there are stories of sacrifices women make to assume family responsibilities at the cost of their careers.
For these are professional women with an ambition to realise their potential and serve their country, while at the
same time fulfilling the roles of wives, mothers and other societal expectations. The stories highlight the challenges of managing families while completing studies in a foreign country. Others struggle to achieve the balance associated with being mothers and wives while meeting day-to-day expectations at work, yet nevertheless have found ways to overcome. The support of husbands and families emerges as a key ingredient in this success and is acknowledged by these women. Friendship with other women, solitude, self-care, nature and faith are also resources from which these women draw strength.
The experiences of these women range from those who have served three decades in the public service to the
youngest who has spent three years serving her nation. There is a professed love and pride for Vanuatu and the
things that it means to them: its pristine nature and environment, its culture, identity and languages, and the kind,
humble and respectful nature of its people.
Overall, these are stories of strong and passionate ni-Vanuatu women playing vital roles in shaping their country’s development with pride and dignity. May they inspire the next generation to see what is possible for women leaders to achieve.
See the whole booklet here.
Check out other resources developed by Balance of Power here.