Thirty-two women and girls from Tongariki and Buninga Area Council in Shefa Province are taking part in a hands-on fabric painting training this week, as part of efforts to strengthen women’s economic empowerment and create opportunities for income generation.

The training is being delivered under Strategic Area 2 of the National Gender Equality Policy, which focuses on the economic empowerment of women and girls through skills development, capacity building, and increased participation in economic activities.

The participants are learning creative fabric painting techniques that can support them to develop small businesses, create products for local markets, and strengthen their confidence in using their skills for economic opportunities. Later this week, the women and girls will continue their learning through sewing training, where they will gain skills in making dresses and other clothing items.

Department of Women’s Affairs (DWA) Shefa Officer, Lilly Laliet, is currently in Tongariki supporting the program alongside the fabric painting trainer, Zalita Zacharie Kalotiti and JICA volunteer Akiho, who is providing additional support to the initiative.

The program highlights the importance of bringing economic empowerment opportunities closer to women and girls in communities, including those in island areas, by providing practical skills that can contribute to household livelihoods and community development.

Through initiatives like this, the Department of Women’s Affairs continues to support the implementation of the National Gender Equality Policy and promote greater opportunities for women and girls across Vanuatu.