From 8 to 10 April 2025, the Vanuatu Women’s Centre (VWC) actively participated in the Vanuatu National Health Week celebrations at Saralana Park. Organized by the Ministry of Health, the event drew a diverse crowd of students, teachers, workers, women, and girls — with over 300 people visiting the VWC’s interactive booth to learn about its essential services.
The Centre showcased a wide range of resources, including seven legal brochures, informative materials about VWC’s services, “8 Safety Rules” stickers for children, Family Protection Law brochure, posters, and special awareness stickers. The children were especially enthusiastic, eagerly collecting stickers after learning the important “8 Safety Rules.”
“Events like this are so important for us,” a VWC representative shared. “Many people still do not know what the Vanuatu Women’s Centre does or where we are located. Some even told us they had never heard of the Centre before.”
The booth also provided counseling guidance, legal information, and referrals, helping to spread awareness of how VWC supports women and girls facing domestic violence. Several visitors expressed a desire to see VWC expand its outreach. Schools in particular showed interest, with one requesting community visits and research opportunities focused on violence against women to increase awareness and provide direct support in underserved areas.
Despite the ongoing challenges of raising public awareness, the team valued the opportunity to connect with the community, especially children and young people. “Engaging with the community helps us ensure that women and children know they are not alone and that help is available,” the VWC team affirmed.
The event marked a positive step forward in bringing VWC’s critical services closer to those who need them most.