The Vanuatu Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (VANGO) and its member civil society organisations have voiced support for Dr Anna Naupa and the Government of Vanuatu’s position that her appointment as Director-General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) was based on merit.
In a statement, VANGO said leadership appointments should be determined by qualifications, experience, capability and merit, and that no individual should be denied a leadership role because of gender.
VANGO noted that the Government had stated Dr Naupa’s appointment was not made by the Vanuatu Government but resulted from an independent MSG selection process involving member countries, through which she was selected as the most qualified candidate.
The organisation said it recognised and respected the role of kastom and traditional leadership in Vanuatu but believed kastom should not be used to prevent qualified women from taking leadership positions at national, regional or international levels.
VANGO said Dr Naupa’s appointment was a significant achievement for Vanuatu and demonstrated that Ni-Vanuatu women have the knowledge, experience and capability to lead at the highest levels.
The organisation said it stood in solidarity with Dr Naupa and with women across Vanuatu who continue to contribute to the country’s leadership, development and future, and supported the Government’s defence of a transparent and merit-based appointment process.
VANGO Chairman Dr Willie Tokon said discrimination against women in leadership had no place in modern Vanuatu.
“Vanuatu is now 46 years after independence, and such discrimination from traditional leaders undermines and degrades their role as leaders in our society in this day and age,” Dr Willie Tokon, VANGO Chairman
VANGO said civil society stood with Dr Naupa in sending a clear message that a woman’s gender should never be used to diminish her qualifications, experience or right to lead.
The organisation called for respectful and constructive dialogue and urged leaders and institutions to uphold the principles of fairness, equality and respect while recognising the contribution of women to leadership in Vanuatu and across the wider Melanesian region.
VANGO said it remained committed to supporting a future in which every person has the opportunity to lead and contribute based on merit, capability and experience.
