Melanesian women's programme to build confidence, connection and leadership

Melanesian women are being invited to connect, share their knowledge and build their leadership skills through a new programme launching in Auckland later this month.

Sista Hemi Empawa (S:H), developed by Melanesian Women Today (MWT), aims to create more opportunities for women and girls across the Pacific and its diaspora, with a focus on education, health and wellbeing, social entrepreneurship, and climate leadership.

The initiative will officially launch at the Melanesian Festival Aotearoa on 31 October, alongside a mentorship programme led by former Miss Solomon Islands and MWT’s Big Sista, Elsie Polosovai.

Polosovai says the programme starts from the strengths women already bring to their families and communities, rather than assuming they need to be taught how to lead.

“We’re not starting from a place where our women have nothing to offer. There is already so much knowledge, experience and work happening within our communities. I think part of our role is to create more ways for that to be shared, recognised and learned from,” she says.

She says empowerment can begin with understanding your own values and having the confidence to make decisions, including knowing when to say no.

Melanesian Festival Aotearoa returns to Auckland on 31 October, bringing communities together for a day of culture, performances and celebration, with Sista Hemi Empawa set to officially launch at the event. Photo/Melanesian Festival Aotearoa/file

As Big Sista, Polosovai also wants to connect women across Melanesia and the wider diaspora. She says making the programme accessible online is an important consideration as MWT works to build its foundations in Auckland before expanding its reach.

“Accessibility is something I have to think about, particularly when working in a virtual and digital space. I want to use this time to build a strong foundation for the programme in Auckland first, learn what works, and develop resources and build the capacity to take the programme beyond the city.”

The mentorship programme will bring together a small group of young women to develop their confidence, public speaking and communication skills through creative, practical activities.

Watch Elsie Polosovai's full interview below.

“It’s really just a space to have our sisters together, to be comfortable reaching out to each other and to network,” Polosovai says.

The festival will provide a place for Melanesian communities to come together as the new initiative gets under way.

Festival director Alipate Traill says the fifth annual event will be held at the Waitematā Rugby Football Club grounds, Henderson, on 31 October.

The day begins at 9am with an opening ceremony and a flag parade representing five Melanesian nations. High commissioners have been invited while performances on the main stage are scheduled from 10am to 6pm. The artists are yet to be announced online.

Traill is encouraging families to come along and take part in the celebrations.

“...but yes, get prepared, family. We are among some of the first festivals that open up our summer season. So, yeah, come on out and feel those Melanesian vibes. You won’t regret it. You won’t regret it indeed,” he says.

Melanesian Festival director Alipate Trails is encouraging families to attend the fifth annual festival at the Waitematā Rugby Football Club grounds in Henderson, with an opening ceremony, a flag parade and live performances planned. Photo/Supplied

Polosovai says the festival offers an opportunity to connect with communities and introduce S:H to the people it hopes to support.

MWT describes itself as an Indigenous-led organisation grounded in collective leadership, intergenerational knowledge and community.

Its work spans Vanuatu, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Kanaky (New Caledonia), Australian South Sea Islander communities, and the Melanesian diaspora in North America and beyond.

Lachlan Eddie,a journalism student at Wintec, is currently completing a six-week internship at PMN News.