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, especially those at risk of being left behind, contribute to and benefit from sustainable, resilient, diversified, inclusive and human-centred socio-economic systems with decent work and equal livelihoods opportunities, reducing inequalities and ensuring shared prosperity [PCF Strategic Priority 3: Prosperity]
By 2027, more people, especially those at risk of being left behind, contribute to and benefit from sustainable, resilient, diversified, inclusive and human-centred socio-economic systems with decent work and equal livelihoods opportunities, reducing inequalities and ensuring shared prosperity [PCF Strategic Priority 3: Prosperity]
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
UN Women reports on this indicator in a global scope, signified by "(Desk Review)" at the end of the indicator statement (see the Our Global Results page for the global result)
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 women in the informal sector have increased skills, increased access to key resources (finances, technological tools) and services (including social assistance and social insurance) and business opportunities to advance their economic potentials, and adaptiveness in crises, 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).
Pacific women in the informal economy are equipped to effectively advocate for increased women's representation in decision-making mechanisms and processes, to ensure that their needs and priorities are addressed by state actors, 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).
State and non-state actors including private sector, have increased awareness, technical support, skills and data, to design, implement and track gender-responsive policies, laws, strategies, and programmes to advance GEWE, through 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).
Pacific women have increased access to disaster resilient facilities and operating systems to support their economic empowerment and resilience to disaster risks, 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).
By 2027, more people, especially those at risk of being left behind, contribute to and benefit from sustainable, resilient, diversified, inclusive and human-centred socio-economic systems with decent work and equal livelihoods opportunities, reducing inequalities and ensuring shared prosperity [PCF Strategic Priority 3: Prosperity]
This outcome is on track. In 2023, Vanuatu found itself in the throes of a six-month State of Emergency, a period that marked a pivotal shift in the nation's priorities. During this time, the Government of Vanuatu redirected its focus and resources, galvanizing efforts towards critical response and recovery endeavours. This urgent pivot was necessitated by the aftermath of three catastrophic tropical cyclones and a 6.6 magnitude earthquake, wreaking havoc on infrastructure and homes across the nation. As a result, the momentum toward advancing new policies with government partners was slowed down, haltering the progression of market ordinances and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that had been poised for adoption. Despite the economic and environmental challenges and setback in the policy development process, in Vanuatu, UN Women through the Markets for Change (M4C) project continued its work in the markets by promoting sustainability, resilience, diversification, inclusivity, and human-centeredness, while providing decent work and equal livelihood opportunities for individuals, especially women market vendors. Individuals, particularly women market vendors, are prioritized in the human-centered socio-economic approach undertaken by the Markets for Change (M4C) programme. Through a multifaceted strategy encompassing capacity building, resource access, and women's leadership development, these efforts aim to enhance the well-being and agency of all members of society. By emphasizing dignity, agency, and prosperity, these initiatives contribute to a more compassionate and equitable socio-economic landscape. Market Vendors Associations (MVAs) continue to be the backbone of support for market vendors, particularly women, championing their welfare and ensuring that economic development initiatives are tailored to meet their specific needs. The leadership of twelve women executive members from six MVAs in Vanuatu is evident in their effective governance and participation in decision-making processes within their respective associations. These women leaders play a crucial role in elevating the voice and agency of women market vendors and shaping their MVAs into inclusive, efficient, and representative advocacy groups. By providing platforms for vendors to voice challenges and recommend solutions, MVAs contribute to a more resilient marketplace. The MVAs proactively engage with stakeholders, for the collective benefit of vendors, such as through consultations with government bodies like the Shefa Provincial Government and leading vibrant community events like the International Day of Rural Women celebration. In 2023, a dedicated emphasis on inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development, particularly aimed at women market vendors in the informal sector, prioritized resilience for the long-term viability of businesses, livelihoods and prosperity in Vanuatu. Central to this resilience-building effort were capacity-building programmes tailored for women market vendors. These equipped 490 women market vendors with essential skills and resources, including financial literacy training and access to mobile money apps, enabling them to better withstand and recover from crises. Additionally, agricultural training focused on resilient farming practices empowered vendors to adapt to climate variability and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters on their livelihoods. Furthermore, the women market vendors had improved access to and utilisation of essential services, resources, protective goods and information through the programme. By addressing specific needs and challenges faced by women vendors, such as gender-based violence services and maternal health, the programme has created a more supportive and inclusive marketplace environment. This has broken barriers to access and empowered women market vendors to actively engage in economic activities and decision-making processes to support a landscape where all individuals can thrive and contribute to economic growth. Market administrators in Vanuatu continue to grow in their capacity to provide support to market vendors to enhance decent work conditions. Through their emphasis on promoting gender equality and embracing a collaborative, inclusive approach to socio-economic development, these institutions guarantee that decision-making processes at both the local and provincial levels are responsive to the diverse needs of market vendors. In 2023, the work of market administrators focused on the ensuring safe and hygienic marketplaces and tackling the real-life challenges encountered by vendors, ranging from damages to market shelters due to natural disasters to issues concerning land resources. Importantly, the initiative extends its impact beyond safeguarding against potential pandemics and diseases, to also instigate a cultural shift within the marketplace. By promoting a culture of collective responsibility, a collaborative community environment is being nurtured among all stakeholders. This holistic approach to health and safety represents a fundamental behaviour change, emphasizing shared responsibility marketplace well-being and prosperity.Disclaimer and notes
References to Kosovo shall be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).