In Vanuatu, a country facing significant challenges regarding gender equality and women's leadership, especially in the face of frequent disasters, harnessing the collective strength of women has become a crucial priority. ActionAid Vanuatu, in partnership with the Department of Women's Affairs, has been working on this mission since its inception in 2015.

Following a devastating cyclone, they set up temporary women's information centers, offering a space for women to access information and unite around their protection concerns.

In this endeavor, ActionAid, in partnership with The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), has played a pivotal role in supporting Ni-Vanuatu women in establishing "Women I TokTok Tugeta" (WITTT), a locally-led and driven women's forum. This forum has grown to include over 4,000 women from three islands who regularly gather in women's collectives to address the challenges of climate change and disasters.

ActionAid Vanuatu is a facilitator for WITTT, employing community organizers who assist WITTT members in understanding their rights, strengthening their collective capacity to prepare for and respond to climate change and disasters, and engaging with provincial and national decision-makers to voice their priorities and concerns. WITTT has also introduced "Women Wetem Weta" (Women's Weather Watch), taking inspiration from a successful initiative by a sister organization in Fiji. This women-led communication platform provides early warnings, public health messages, and practical information through SMS and mobile radio, reaching a significant portion of the population.

Within the framework of WITTT, women living with disabilities have formed "WITTT Sunshine," focusing on the unique needs and concerns of women with disabilities. This subgroup supports their collective efforts to ensure an inclusive humanitarian response that respects their rights and addresses their specific needs. These are crucial to ensure their protection and well-being in climate-related disasters and evolving realities.

At the heart of ActionAid's approach in Vanuatu lies a theory of change that views crises as moments of societal upheaval, presenting opportunities to drive long-term, gender-transformative change. The aim is to rebuild and improve in ways that benefit women and lead to more equitable outcomes in the aftermath of disasters and other challenges.