In Vanuatu, a patriarchal society steeped in deeply entrenched traditions, finding a safe space for women can be challenging.

Domestic violence is alarmingly prevalent, with 60% of women agreeing that at least one justification exists for a man to beat his wife*. These statistics reveal an urgent need for change, and the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) is stepping in to challenge these harmful beliefs and foster gender equality.

The Safe Resilient Communities project, run by ACOM, empowers key leaders to address issues of gender-based violence and advocate for the protection of women, girls, and people living with disabilities in both church and community settings. This initiative not only nurtures safer communities but also prepares them to withstand and recover from disasters.

A Safe Space for Transformation

Program Manager Ethel George

Creating safe spaces starts with leaders who are committed to change. Faith and Gender training sessions, facilitated by the Anglican Church, bring together church leaders to explore how cultural beliefs can perpetuate violence and inequality. Wives of church leaders are also included in these sessions, recognising their critical role in both confronting harmful practices and supporting survivors.

One attendee shared her story:

“For years, I kept quiet about my husband’s treatment of me. The training gave me the courage to speak up, and for the first time, he acknowledged his wrongdoing. He promised to change.”

This moment of acknowledgment, fuelled by the support of training facilitators, illustrates the profound impact of the program. By addressing harmful behaviours head-on, leaders are creating champions for safer and more equitable communities.

Equipping Communities for Resilience

The Safe Resilient Communities project doesn’t stop at addressing gender-based violence. ACOM is also equipping communities to handle the psychological toll of crises and disasters.

• 40 volunteers have been trained in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, preparing them to provide care in the wake of trauma.
• 287 students in four secondary schools have received awareness training on psychosocial issues and access to support services.

This dual focus—addressing deeply ingrained cultural issues and building resilience—ensures that communities are safer, stronger, and more prepared for the challenges they face.

The work being done in Vanuatu demonstrates the power of collective action and education. By changing hearts and minds, ACOM is not just addressing immediate issues but creating a ripple effect that fosters safer communities for generations to come.

Reference: *Vanuatu National Survey on Women’s Lives and Family Relationships | Pacific Environment Data Portal (sprep.org)