Safeguarding and empowering women, children and people with disabilities

Surveys and research conducted by our partner the Conference of Churches of Christ in Vanuatu show that communities in Vanuatu are affected by high rates of domestic and family violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and community violence. Sadly, 68% of women and girls in the Pacific region experience violence in their homes and communities. 1.7 million people live with disabilities in Pacific Island countries. While many communities have policies and protections in place to safeguard women, children, and people with disabilities, there is a need to connect these policies deeper into the community.

What is the Promoting Dignity, Inclusion, and Protection project?

Promoting Dignity, Inclusion, and Protection workshops help inform community leaders about the need to safeguard vulnerable populations, and work with them to develop action plans to better support and include women, children, and people with disabilities.

What is the impact of this project?

As the Christian church occupies a key place in the social makeup of Vanuatu, Christian leaders have a unique platform to lead social and cultural change through their networks. The Promoting Dignity, Inclusion, and Protection workshops help pastors and their communities to implement practical solutions to support the most marginalised in their communities. 

So far, workshops have been conducted in Santo, Port Vila, East Ambae, West Ambae, Central Pentecost and South Pentecost (including Wali and Ranwas). 

The Promoting Dignity, Inclusion, and Protection pilot program started in Fiji in 2023, and we will start implementing training in Papua New Guinea once training is completed in Vanuatu in March 2025.