INVESTING IN WOMEN

Gender, racial, and cultural norms, as well as discrimination, and bias, prevent or present obstacles to participation for women and girls, meaning they can often be left out and excluded from decision-making and leadership roles.

International Women’s Day is 8 March and this year’s theme is “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

This theme brings attention to ways we can unlock equal rights and build a feminist future where no one is left behind. An essential part of this is empowering the next generation— particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.

WWF-Pacific’s Gender Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Program focuses on improving inclusive practices at organisational, programming and community levels. This seeks to strengthen the voice of vulnerable and marginalised people, including women, youth, and people with disabilities, so that they can participate in decision-making, and enhance their leadership opportunities across community-based conservation, climate change and marine and coastal resource management programs.

To celebrate International Women’s Day we asked WWF-Pacific GEDSI team members, Wendy Nabo and Cedella Nongebatu what it means to support rights, equality and empowerment in their work in Papua New Guinea.

Wendy Nabo: GEDSI Focal Point - Papua New Guinea, WWF-Pacific

Wendy, this year’s International Women's Day theme is “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” What does this mean to you?

Women and girls everywhere, in all their differences, diversity and disability must have equal rights and opportunities and be able to live free of violence and discrimination. Having equal rights would lead to all being empowered to participate in meaningful decision making, community management and leadership.

What inspired you to work in your field and advocate for women?

I have always been interested in the works of NGOs. I am privileged to join WWF and be part of the great conservation team. I initially joined as the Admin Officer, knowing my job is assigned to a desk. No matter which section you work in, whether operations or projects, you still have the chance to see the impact your work is making. I was then very privileged to have joined the Gender Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) team as the focal point here in Papua New Guinea, Madang Seascape Office, and that's when I started going on field trips. During the community training and workshops, I felt a sense of fulfilment when you can see women participants being empowered and having to speak up in a community dominated by men.

Tell us about WWF-Pacific's work in the Gender Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion space and why it’s so important?

WWF-Pacific's work is to provide capacity building for mainstreaming GEDSI at the organisational, programmatic and community levels to ensure more inclusive, sustainable and equitable coastal ecosystem management. Mainstreaming GEDSI benefits all community members by improving how the decisions are made, and projects are designed and delivered so that the community is better presented an more people can benefit directly.

Can you tell us about the women you work with?

The women I work with are all remarkable and skilled experts in their own jobs or workspaces. They carry on their jobs with ease and good humour whether in the office or out in the field. I am motivated and inspired by them.

Changing norms to enhance inclusion takes time, what's your/WWF-Pacific's approach to managing this?

When it comes to changing norms, yes, it takes time and patience, especially in the Pacific where we still hold and value our cultural beliefs and values. When we go out into a community, we don’t force things upon them but work with them to understand their cultural beliefs, way of life and in doing this, we preserve traditional practices while also embracing inclusive practice.

What has been your experience working in community development and conservation as a woman?

My work experience with the communities has been rewarding. Rewarding in the sense that the communities we work with are more inclusive than before and you get to see the marginalised groups being empowered and participating well in group discussion and activities. You see the transformation from day one up and you see how you're making a difference in someone’s life and that's a long-lasting impact.

What is your vision for the future for women in community development/ conservation?

My vision for the future is to see greater female participation in community activities and they are also empowered to advocate for conservation to a bigger audience.

Cedella Nongebatu: GEDSI Coordinator - Solomon Islands, WWF-Pacific

Hi Cedella! Tell us, what does International Women's Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day means making sure no woman is forgotten. It is about appreciating and celebrating the diversity of women and to commit to always empowering them in the ways they need and want to be empowered.

Tell us about WWF-Pacific's work in the Gender Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion space and why it’s so important?

WWF-Pacific's work in this space focuses on mainstreaming GEDSI across all projects with the vision that it will in time become a key integrated component of all program designs. It is important as it continuously emphasises that the success of our projects and, conservation as a whole, depends on the full inclusion of everyone in our communities.

Can you tell us about the women you work with?

They are phenomenal at the work they do - regardless of how different their jobs and workspaces are. Whether it be in the office or out in the field or in communities, their work ethic continues to highlight their commitment to conservation in Solomon Islands.

Changing norms to enhance inclusion takes time, what's your/WWF-Pacific's approach to manage this?

It’s important to be patient but mindful in how we engage with communities. There is a fine line between influencing positive change and imposing it. The 'how' of our engagement with communities across a period of time will determine the success of inclusion becoming a norm.

What changes have you seen regarding greater, more meaningful inclusion in the areas you are working?

In particular, there have been more realisations of the role and agency of people with disability and a challenge of the stigma around disability in communities.

What's been your experience working in conservation as a woman?

My work and experience so far in the collaborative space of gender and conservation has been a pleasant surprise. The current narrative of work in the gender space preaches men will always be in opposition to anything gender-related and I should be ready for that. Thus far, I have only experienced the complete opposite with men I have worked with – collaboration and healthy conversation and discussions on gender roles. All enquiries were not of hostility but of genuine interest. It is something I am very proud of.

What’s your vision for the future for women in conservation?

My vision for the future is for women to triumph from the fruits of their labour and that their knowledge has been passed onto a keen, environmentally, socially-inclusive generation. I would love to see women in conservation thrive in knowing that their work is what makes this planet home, that their toil to save species and educate is what will keep this planet a stable house to live in.

Wendy and Cedella's work is part of the Gender Equity, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) program, developed with WWF-Pacific and local community partners in Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea. This program is delivered in partnership with the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).