Women empowered to lead Vanuatu’s green energy transition

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Pentecost Island, Vanuatu – Women leaders in Pentecost are stepping into the forefront of Vanuatu’s green energy transformation through targeted training sessions under the Vanuatu Green Energy Transformation Project.

The project is supported by Japan and implemented by the U.N. Development Program.

The training, held in the communities of Melsisi and Waterfall, focused on building women’s leadership capacity, strengthening safeguarding practices, and raising awareness of grievance mechanisms.

These efforts are part of a broader initiative to ensure that Vanuatu’s transition to sustainable energy is inclusive, safe, and equitable.

Around 30 women participated in the leadership workshops, which explored different leadership styles, gender equality and the link between energy access and empowerment.

 “The government of Japan is proud to support initiatives that empower women and promote inclusive development," said Naohisa Okuda, Japanese ambassador to Vanuatu. "By investing in women’s leadership in the green energy sector, we are helping to build resilient communities and a sustainable future for all.”

Women in rural Vanuatu often face barriers to participating in energy-related decision-making. By equipping them with leadership skills and knowledge of safeguarding policies, the green energy project is helping to close this gap and ensure women are not only beneficiaries but also drivers of change.

“Before the training, I did not realize that I was already using some of these skills. Now, I feel more confident and know how to use different leadership styles in different situations," Joselyn Matan from Waterfall said.

Crista Ben from Melsisi said she learned valuable leadership skills and principles.

"I believe this training will help me in many areas – with my family, in the women’s group I am a part of, and in supporting and organising my community," she said.

The training sessions also included safeguarding and grievance mechanism awareness to ensure all stakeholders, especially women, are informed about their rights and the processes available to voice concerns.

Contractors and partners engaged under the green energy project are being trained to uphold UNDP’s zero-tolerance policy on exploitation, abuse, harassment and discrimination.

As part of its broader gender equality commitment, the project also conducted women-focused consultations to gather insights on energy needs, leadership aspirations, and the barriers women face in both areas. These consultations ensure that project design and implementation are responsive to the lived realities of women in rural Vanuatu.

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