Vanuatu Women’s Centre (VWC) held its 2-week ’s Annual Counsellors Training from 2nd -13th June, 2025, in Port Vila. During the first week, counsellors and other staff members learnt more about issues relating to gender inequality, violence against women, domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse/sexual abuse, human rights, Family Protection Law and international conventions relating to violence against women. For some staff members and counsellors, this was a refreshing course on issues, while for others who have just joined the organization, this was a week of learning new issues relating to gender and violence against women, girls and children. The week-long training increased understanding of Family Protection Law, Gender Equality, and the importance of community-wide engagement
From 9th – 13th June, 2025, participants were specifically counsellors only. The training was on basic counselling skills, counsellors’ code of ethics and other issues relating to counsellors’ attitudes, approaches towards clients and performances. Participants were also involved in role plays to be able to use the different skills needed and used in crisis counselling to assist clients to get justice for the violence they face in their relationships and homes.
The week-long training had interactive sessions, case study analyses, group discussions and presentations, and hands-on activities to make sure that participants understand the skills they needed to give victims of violence good quality counselling and support services. A total of 25 counsellors altogether from around the country participated in the week-long training, facilitated by senior counsellors.
VWC reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to ending violence against women, girls and children and to promoting a society where women and children are valued as human beings with equal rights and empowered to seek justice for different forms of violence they face in their relationships and homes.