BRIDGE workshop for Vanuatu Political Party Executives

The Vanuatu Electoral Office (VEO) in collaboration with the Department of Women Affairs in Vanuatu conducted a BRIDGE workshop targeting Political Party Executives from 11 to 14 November 2025.

The workshop aimed to empower women political party executives by strengthening their knowledge, confidence and leadership skills to influence decision-making and candidate selection process at the political party level. The four-day workshop explored dynamics between political parties, candidates and electoral management bodies (EMBs) considering Vanuatu’s cultural, legal and institutional settings. Participants were engaged in interactive sessions on:

•  Types, structures, and internal democracy of political parties

•  Legal frameworks governing elections and political parties, including Electoral Dispute Resolution

•  The role of women in politics in Vanuatu and the wider Pacific

•  Barriers to women’s political participation and strategies to overcome them

•  Effective campaign strategies

Facilitated by Ms. Rothina Ilo Noka from the Vanuatu Department of Women, Mr. Desmond Tsianai from the Bougainville Electoral Commission, Ms. Yvonne Goudie and Ms. Asenaca Kolinivala from UNDP Pacific Office, the workshop brought together 15 emerging leaders as political party representatives, former members of parliament, women political actors and civil society stakeholders.

The workshop created a safe and inclusive space for open dialogue, supported by agreed ground rules emphasising respect and confidentiality. Many participants described the sessions as relevant and motivating and highlighted that they would apply what they have learned within their political parties to increase women’s participation in the political arena. A key outcome was when one of the male participants, who also serves as Vice President of his political party, committed to nominate a woman candidate in the upcoming Provincial election.

Participants evaluations were very positive where most scored five out of five for session quality and facilitation. It was highlighted that the workshop made them feel comfortable to share openly, highlighting that the methodologies used were inclusive, participatory, and engaging. One participant share, “Usually, I do not often feel like I have much to say when I attend my political party meetings, but after this week, I now know that I have more knowledge and more to say.”  

Having a balanced facilitation team including local experts, regional professionals and UNDP staff were valued, reflecting on diverse insights and shared perspectives across the region that strengthens participants learning experience.

Another milestone at the workshop was having another TTF complete Facilitator, Ms Melissa Lois Tumulango from the Vanuatu Electoral Office being accredited to Workshop level. This effort offers opportunities of future BRIDGE trainings in Vanuatu and working towards strengthening democratic processes and women’s political participation in Vanuatu as well as across the Pacific region.