National Gender Equality Policy 2020-2030.

The National Gender Equality Policy 2020–2030 aims to advance equal rights, opportunities, and participation for women and men across Vanuatu by establishing a coordinated national framework that embeds gender equality into legislation, policies, programmes, and institutional procedures. At its core, the policy envisions resilient communities built on fairness and shared responsibility, emphasizing that gender equality benefits families, communities, and the nation as a whole. This vision is grounded in inclusive national commitments and aligns with international frameworks such as CEDAW, the Sustainable Development Goals, and Vanuatu’s National Sustainable Development Plan.
A central objective of the policy is to address persistent gender‑based inequalities through five strategic action areas: eliminating violence against women and girls, enhancing women’s economic empowerment, increasing women’s leadership and political participation, strengthening gender‑responsive governance and institutional mechanisms, and promoting gender‑responsive climate and disaster resilience. These objectives recognize structural and cultural barriers that limit women’s full participation and aim to transform social norms, improve access to services, and ensure more equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and responsibilities.
Another key objective is to strengthen implementation, coordination, and accountability across government and society. The policy promotes whole‑of‑government engagement, multi‑stakeholder partnerships—including collaboration with provincial authorities, civil society, and development partners—and evidence‑based monitoring systems to track progress. By creating enabling environments for women’s participation at all levels and improving the efficiency and impact of gender equality initiatives, the policy seeks sustained, measurable progress toward a more just, inclusive, and resilient Vanuatu.