World Bank Income Classification:Low Income
The World Bank classifies economies for analytical purposes into four income groups: low, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high income. For this purpose it uses gross national income (GNI) per capita data in U.S. dollars, converted from local currency using the World Bank Atlas method, which is applied to smooth exchange rate fluctuations.
Least Developed Country:Yes
Since 1971, the United Nations has recognized LDCs as a category of States that are deemed highly disadvantaged in their development process, for structural, historical and also geographical reasons. Three criteria are used: per capita income, human assets, and economic vulnerability.
Gender Inequality Index:0.575
GII is a composite metric of gender inequality using three dimensions: reproductive health, empowerment and the labour market. A low GII value indicates low inequality between women and men, and vice-versa.
Gender Development Index:0.723
GDI measures gender inequalities in achievement in three basic dimensions of human development: health, education, and command over economic resources.
Population:209,497,025
Source of population data: United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2022). World Population Prospects: The 2022 Revision
Male:19,976,265 (9.5%)
Female:189,520,760 (90.5%)
By 2027, more people, particularly those at risk of being left behind, benefit from more equitable access to resilient, and gender-responsive, quality basic services, food security/nutrition and social protection systems.
PCF Strategic Priority 2: People
By 2027, more people, particularly those at risk of being left behind, benefit from more equitable access to resilient, and gender-responsive, quality basic services, food security/nutrition and social protection systems.
Complementary indicators are identified as those in the results framework that are not repeated verbatim in the results framework of another United Nations entity, but are related or provide different but complementary lenses or insights into the same issue, high-level result and/or area of complementary work, such as a Sustainable Development Goal target.
Complementary
Data reported for 2022 results against this indicator was obtained as part of a learning process on social norms and therefore may not accurately reflect the results obtained. Internal reviews of data collected on social norms across relevant indicators, coupled with external reviews, are informing the design of UN Women’s principled approach to social & gender norms change. This will be reflected in changes to the indicators to be introduced in the Mid-Term Review of the Strategic Plan.
Complementary indicators are identified as those in the results framework that are not repeated verbatim in the results framework of another United Nations entity, but are related or provide different but complementary lenses or insights into the same issue, high-level result and/or area of complementary work, such as a Sustainable Development Goal target.
Complementary
Complementary indicators are identified as those in the results framework that are not repeated verbatim in the results framework of another United Nations entity, but are related or provide different but complementary lenses or insights into the same issue, high-level result and/or area of complementary work, such as a Sustainable Development Goal target.
Complementary
Pacific governments, communities and individuals are engaged in promoting social norms change to advance GEWE, across a diversity of areas, in collaboration with key stakeholders in the areas of culture, faith, and sports at national and regional levels, through UN Women's support.
Data reported for 2022 results against this indicator was obtained as part of a learning process on social norms and therefore may not accurately reflect the results obtained. Internal reviews of data collected on social norms across relevant indicators, coupled with external reviews, are informing the design of UN Women’s principled approach to social & gender norms change. This will be reflected in changes to the indicators to be introduced in the Mid-Term Review of the Strategic Plan. In addition to results reported by UN Women field offices (shown here), results achieved in countries and territories through the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UNTF) are included in a non-duplicative manner in the global reporting on this indicator (see the Our Global Results page).
In addition to results reported by UN Women field offices (shown here), results achieved in countries and territories through the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UNTF) are included in a non-duplicative manner in the global reporting on this indicator (see the Our Global Results page).
State and non-state actors in the Pacific promote the development and/or review of relevant policies, laws and strategies on prevention and response to VAWG, in line with global, regional and national standards, best practices and emerging evidence, with UN Women's support.
In addition to results reported by UN Women field offices (shown here), results achieved in countries and territories through the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UNTF) are included in a non-duplicative manner in the global reporting on this indicator (see the Our Global Results page).
In addition to results reported by UN Women field offices (shown here), results achieved in countries and territories through the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UNTF) are included in a non-duplicative manner in the global reporting on this indicator (see the Our Global Results page).
State and non-state actors and institutions are equipped with technical expertise, capacity building opportunities, good practices, data and information, to support increased access at all levels of society, to uninterrupted, timely, relevant, quality and coordinated VAWG support and services for women and girls in all their diversity, including in crises situations.
In addition to results reported by UN Women field offices (shown here), results achieved in countries and territories through the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UNTF) are included in a non-duplicative manner in the global reporting on this indicator (see the Our Global Results page).
In addition to results reported by UN Women field offices (shown here), results achieved in countries and territories through the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence against Women (UNTF) are included in a non-duplicative manner in the global reporting on this indicator (see the Our Global Results page).
By 2027, more people, particularly those at risk of being left behind, benefit from more equitable access to resilient, and gender-responsive, quality basic services, food security/nutrition and social protection systems.
This outcome is on track. In Vanuatu, the year saw transformative progress towards ensuring that victims and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV)access gender-responsive support services. The Department of Women's Affairs (DWA) and the Vanuatu Women’s Centre (VWC) developed the Multisector Service Delivery Protocol (MSDP) and are expected to launch and operationalize the protocol in early 2024. The Protocol outlines how formal and non-formal actors responding to GBV can work together to best support survivors. It also commits these responders to a common set of principles and guidance. DWA, VWC, and UN Women made the collaborative efforts in drafting, refining, and preparing the MSDP for validation and eventual launch in early 2024. This signifies a substantial shift towards a more systematic and unified response to GBV. The protocol not only outlines the collaborative framework for formal and informal actors but also commits responders to a common set of principles and guidelines, ensuring a survivor-centred approach in GBV response services. Male leaders on the rural island of Gaua have mobilized to contribute towards the prevention of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) through their participation in a male leaders training organized by the Vatsur Council and the establishment of an island-wide VAWC Taskforce of Chiefs, supported by the Vanuatu Women's Centre (VWC) and Torba Counselling Centre (TOCC). Male village chiefs attended a 5-day male advocacy training program, facilitated by VWC in the local language and cultural context which covered a range of topics including gender, VAW and domestic violence, sexual violence, child sexual abuse, human rights, and the Family Protection Act (FPA). The training challenges men to identify their own unacceptable behaviours; change those behaviours and then influence other men in the community to change their behaviours. Pre- and post-training questionnaires at the Gaua training showed significant changes in participants' understanding of gender equality, human rights, and violence against women and children. Notably, 97% of participants reported an improved ability to explain the Family Protection Law, and there was a universal increase in the belief in equal rights for women and men, and boys and girls. These men are now more prepared to take action to promote gender equality and human rights in their families and communities. The active engagement of the chiefs led to the formation of a Taskforce to prevent and respond to cases of VAWC. The Taskforce's effectiveness is evident in the increased referrals and proactive actions taken by VWC’s Gauan Community Educator and local police. Additionally, a workshop for women in North East Gaua led to the establishment of a Committee Against Violence Against Women (CAVAW), which has been effective in client support and advocacy. Established by the Vanuatu Women’s Centre (VWC), CAVAWS are a network of island-based committees against VAW. CAVAWs are composed of members of women’s groups, traditional leaders, police officers and church leaders based in villages. CAVAWs undertake local community awareness activities and assist women and children living with violence in remote communities. VWC carries out this work with the support and funding of UN Women. In their humanitarian response in the wake of Tropical Cyclones the Vanuatu Christian Council (VCC) in North Pentecost, Malekula and Ambrym and Vanuatu Women’s Centre (VWC) in Penama, Malampa, Shefa, and Tafea provinces contributed to ensuring the safety and recovery of vulnerable populations, especially women, girls, and individuals with special needs. The gender-responsive humanitarian response has significantly improved the lives of women and girls in the affected communities by providing essential aid including over 1,086 water tanks, 115 solar lights, seeds for Bak choi and tomatoes, and 130 sets of gardening tools were distributed to communities in North Pentecost, Malekula, Ambrym, and parts of Efate in Vanuatu, supporting disaster recovery and enhancing resilience. Furthermore, the response included conducting mobile counselling sessions in all affected communities across Penama, Malampa, Shefa, and Tafea provinces, reaching a total of 1,464 individuals, including 1,330 women, 43 girls, 66 men, and 25 boys, with 10 women and 2 men having disabilities. Care packages, were distributed to clients on Pentecost and selected areas of Malakula, along with solar lights. Capacity-building training on gender-based violence prevention during disasters was provided for 37 church leaders in North Efate, and volunteer training was conducted for 4 volunteers after Tropical Cyclones Kevin and Judy, with a further 22 volunteers trained in awareness on EVAWG and disaster preparedness and response. The Mobile Counselling Centre saw 94 new clients, including 57 for domestic violence and 19 for child maintenance, with 2 clients assisted with the safe house. The gender-responsive humanitarian response has made a significant difference for women and girls in several ways. Firstly, it has led to improved access to essential services, with women, girls, and individuals with disabilities having better access to vital services such as counselling, care packages, and water supply, contributing to their overall well-being and safety. Secondly, the response has reduced vulnerability to GBV by raising awareness and providing support to survivors of GBV, thereby mitigating the risk of violence against women and girls during and after disasters. Additionally, enhanced community preparedness has been achieved through training and capacity-building activities, enabling communities to better respond to disasters and address the specific needs of vulnerable populations, including women, girls, and individuals with disabilities. While UN Women funded VCC and VWC immediate relief activities in the aftermath of the three tropical cyclones in Vanuatu in 2023, UN Women support also extended beyond immediate relief to encompass a comprehensive approach to gender-based violence in emergencies (GBVIE). UN Women contributed significantly to the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report, providing valuable insights and recommendations regarding GBVIE. Rapid assessments conducted in the cyclone-affected areas enabled the collection of crucial data and identification of key messages related to GBVIE. The Information, Communication, and Education (ICE) materials were then reviewed and updated to ensure they effectively disseminated information on GBVIE, empowering individuals with knowledge and resources for protection. UN Women also offered strategic advice on the dissemination of these materials, striving to reach the widest possible audience. Through active collaboration with the national disaster office, UN Women facilitated the dissemination of vital information in the ICE materials to the communities in need. The collaborative project between the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UN Women, 'Famili I Redi Reintegration,' exemplifies an innovative approach to supporting returned women migrant workers and their families in enhancing their relationship skills and financial stability post-mobility. The development of Reintegration Training Materials, informed by gender vulnerabilities and the needs of migrant worker returnees, promises to enhance the well-being of returning workers and their families. The ToC and strategy remains unchanged for 2024. Collectively, these initiatives and achievements reflect Vanuatu’s concerted effort to foster a more inclusive, supportive, and responsive environment for addressing GBV and promoting gender equality. The year’s outcomes not only demonstrate institutional and behavioural changes but also pave the way for sustained progress in the years to come.Disclaimer and notes
References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).