Jermin Yauko, Vanuatu woman organic farmer

In September, the call to join the Women’s Chapter within POETCom’s governance structure was sent to our members. Since then, the newly established Women’s Chapter has gathered four times, already reporting important progress in defining the organisational mission and structure.

Inclusiveness, diversity, trust, resilience, collaboration and unity are just a few of the words resonating among the women taking part in this process, leading to a transformative change within POETCom.

While they come from different Pacific countries and backgrounds, the members of the Women’s Chapter share a passion and commitment towards social and environmental justice. So far, 15 women from five Pacific Island countries and territories are part of the process but the intention is to reach out to a greater number of women across the whole region.

Practising the principles of an inclusive and participatory approach, the members are now working on key documents, from mission statements to members’ eligibility criteria, which aim to lay the groundwork for the upcoming chapter’s activities.

The chapter is providing a safe and inclusive space for its members to share their priorities and concerns in terms of gender and social inclusion at organisational and national level. It’s also a space where women share and learn from each other. Every woman is shaping the process by bringing her unique and different expertise, background, experience and personality.

Acknowledging the contribution as well as the persistent existing discrimination and unequal opportunities, the chapter is also representative of gender non-conforming individuals, and those who identify as part of the LGBTQI+ community.

If you want to be part of this leading process, or you want more information, please get in touch with Flavia Ciribello, POETCom Gender and Value Chain Adviser at flaviac@spc.int.

The establishment of the Women’s Chapter is supported by the four-year project, Building Prosperity for Women Producers, Processors and Women Owned Businesses through Organic Value Chains (BPWP), funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).