Supporting women and girls of climate vulnerable communities in Vanuatu

Vanuatu is as a small island nation in the Pacific and one of the most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. Whether cyclones destroy whole villages, vegetable gardens are flooded or volcanic eruptions bring life to a standstill, women and girls in situations of poverty usually face higher risks and greater burdens from being affected.

Usually, they are, also the first responders in community responses to natural disasters, leaders in disaster risk-reduction, and contributors to post recovery by addressing immediate needs of their families and communities.

Led by Anne Pakoa, a life-long climate and human rights activist, the Vatu Mauri Consortium is working with women and girls from farming communities to support households in urban areas (in Port Vila and Luganville) in growing climate-smart backyard gardens. This helps to improve their food security throughout the year and to ensure that during disasters, nobody goes hungry.

Anne Pakoa says: “We are working hard to build community resilience. By involving women in community planning and disaster response efforts, we can build stronger, more resilient communities that are better equipped to face the challenges of climate change.” 

Your donation will help Anne to organise local events on risk reduction and management, provide technical advice to community-based organisations or support women-led small enterprises and other grass roots projects.