Port Vila, Vanuatu – A six weeks Women and Girls Friendly Space was officially launched by Care Vanuatu yesterday in the Blacksands area of Efate, providing a safe and supportive environment for women and girls recovering from the December 2024 earthquake.
As part of ongoing recovery efforts, the space is designed to support women, young girls, and women and young girls with disabilities by offering a safe place to share their experiences and heal from the trauma caused by the disaster. The initiative aims to provide critical information and well-being activities to help them regain a sense of normalcy in their communities.
The Women and Girls Friendly Space is a collaborative effort between CARE Vanuatu and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with the goal of addressing the unique challenges women face in the aftermath of natural disasters.
Jane William, Gender Project Manager at CARE Vanuatu, highlighted the importance of such spaces in disaster recovery.
“Every time after a disaster, we experience trauma, but we often do not recognize it, especially women and girls. The recent earthquake was sudden, and for many of us, it was an unfamiliar experience. Some women may not realize that changes in their behavior, such as increased aggression toward their children or heightened anxiety about their family’s safety, are signs of unresolved trauma,” she explained.
She emphasized that the services provided in the space would help women understand and manage these emotions, facilitating their healing process and improving their overall well-being. “When women access these services, they not only heal individually but also bring positive change to their households and communities,” William added.
On behalf of the Vanuatu Government, representative from the Department of Women’s Affairs Ms. Heather Maraki sincerely acknowledged the different aid partners on behave of the Vanuatu government through the department of women’s affairs.
She highlighted Care Vanuatu as the core lead in the Justice, Gender and Protection Cluster during an after math of disasters.
She acknowledged other supporting partners who have stood by the Vanuatu government in times of disasters and other government departments who have put in efforts in conducing the project and implementing the initiative of Women and Girls Friendly Space in Vanuatu.
The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in supporting women and girls as they navigate the psychological and social impacts of the earthquake, ensuring they have the necessary resources to recover and rebuild their lives.
