A research by Balance of Power in Vanuatu found that traditional customs, politics, and existing systems make it difficult for women to take part in the country’s leadership.
At a research symposium hosted by the National University last week, Balance of Power said its political study showed why there are very few women in Vanuatu’s Parliament.
Country Manager of Balance of Power, Willison Toa, explained the findings:
“Many voters think that many women can lead, but politics has double standards. We often make this kind of mistake with cultural and political participation. Parliament is not a nakamal — it is Parliament — but we continue to use the word ‘nakamal’ in people’s minds in the islands. This leads to the idea that nakamal is only for men, not women, and this lowers women’s chances to enter politics.”
Former MP Julia King also shared her experience in relation to the research.
“Many of us like to say that women go into Parliament, but we are not actively involved in politics or promoting women into Parliament. During my campaign, it was very hard for many women to follow my campaign because, traditionally, they ask who will look after the children. So I told my husband that we must make it a priority to carry every mother who needed to come by bus. Wherever I went, they must experience politics.”
Balance of Power is encouraging communities, political parties, and leaders to support and train women candidates so that women’s voices can be heard and they can take part in making decisions for the country.
