The Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (MIPU) has launch today 4 September 2025 the Women in Leadership Program (WILP)—a bold step toward building a more inclusive, equitable future in infrastructure.

With 19 women and 1 male participating from across all departments, this program is designed to boost leadership skills, build networks, and pave the way for women to take the lead in shaping Vanuatu’s infrastructure landscape. 

Secretary of the Office Public Service Commission Mr. James Melteres Speech was made on his behalf by the Director Innovation and Policy Development Unit Mr. Jean Yves Bibi.

"It is an honour to join you today for the official launch of the MIPU Women in

Leadership Program. This initiative marks another important milestone in our

collective journey toward a more inclusive and empowered public service.

In 2023, the Ministry of Health led the way by launching a flagship Women in

Leadership Program, delivered across national, provincial, and community levels.

That program has already produced four cohorts of capable, confident women and

men leaders. Building on that momentum, the Ministry of Justice and Communit

Services introduced its first Public Service Leadership Program in 2024. All

participants have earned a USP-accredited Certificate in Professional

Development in Public Service Leadership.

As more ministries embrace these initiatives, we are witnessing a powerful shift —

one that reflects the government’s growing commitment to cultivating leadership

especially among women.

It is encouraging to see women stepping into roles once considered exclusive to men

in fields such as building, engineering, and plumbing. This transformation is not

merely symbolic; it is a meaningful step toward a more equitable and forward-looking

future.

Our Post-School Education and Training (PSET) providers are already playing a vital

role by offering programs that attract young women into these traditionally male-

dominated sectors. But training alone is not enough. As a government, we must

ensure that there are clear pathways for these graduates to transition into the

workforce. It is not enough to open the door we must also ensure there is space for

them to thrive once they step through it.

I would like to sincerely thank the Minister of MIPU for recognising the importance of

this initiative and for the leadership that has brought us together this morning.

Programs like this are essential for building a public service that reflects the diversity,

strength, and potential of our nation.

I also wish to acknowledge the continued support of the Australian Government in

strengthening capacity-building efforts for public servants across Vanuatu. This

enduring partnership speaks to the depth of our bilateral relationship and our shared

commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

Together, through collaboration and vision, we are laying the foundation for a public

service that empowers all — and leads with integrity, inclusivity, and purpose.

This program is possible through Australian Government, USP, Public Service Commission /Vanuatu Institute of Public Administration and Management Unit (VIPAM), and the Vanuatu Australia Infrastructure Development Program for their partnership and support."