VCA Celebrates National Women’s Day 2025 with Powerful Messages of Equality, Empowerment, and Mental Wellbeing

The Vanuatu Cricket Association (VCA) proudly hosted a significant celebration in honour of National Women’s Day last Thursday, showcasing its continued commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive sports development across the nation.

Held under sunny skies in Port Vila, the event brought together a diverse group of distinguished guests, including Australia’s Acting High Commissioner Ms Emily Fisher, representatives from the United Nations (UNDFPA), Vanuatu Women's Centre (VWC), local and regional leaders, and members of the cricket community.

The day underscored the importance of moving beyond symbolic celebrations by taking meaningful action to promote gender balance and end gender-based violence through sport.

VCA CEO Tim Cutler welcomes the audience to the Vanuatu Cricket Ground for National Women's Day 2025

Cricket as a Catalyst for Change

VCA Chief Executive Officer Tim Cutler highlighted the critical role of cricket in promoting social progress, especially for women and girls. “In 2025, we aim to engage over 25,000 participants in our cricket programs, with, for the first time ever, more than half expected to be women and girls," said Cutler.

“This reflects the strength of our grassroots development, including Island Cricket programs in Tanna, Sanma, and beyond.”

He also acknowledged the VCA’s 15-year partnership with the Australian Government, which has played a pivotal role in funding and supporting initiatives such as women’s Island Cricket, gender-based violence prevention, and leadership workshops for youth and women across the islands.

Importantly, Cutler reaffirmed the VCA’s commitment to gender pay parity, ensuring national male and female players receive equal remuneration—a reflection of the organisation’s dedication to fairness and opportunity.

Celebrating Diverse Contributions

The event honoured not only athletes, but also the many contributors who make the sport thrive—from female umpires like rising international officiator Meriel Kenni, to volunteers, scorers, and community ambassadors who are shaping the future of Vanuatu cricket.

Attendees were treated to a showcase Island cricket match and participated in awareness discussions focused on leadership, mental health, social inclusion, and violence prevention, reinforcing VCA’s broader mission of empowerment through sport.

Prior to the match, both the CEO and engagement officer for the Vanuatu Women's Centre spoke, reaffirming their longstanding commitment to women and girls in Vanuatu, providing an awareness session and further information as to how they can be contacted 24/7 by anyone in need across Vanuatu.

This was followed by a passionate speech from Vanuatu's "Golden Mama" Mary Estelle Mahuk, who has been the VCA Lead Social Impact Ambassador for over two years. The three-time Olympian applauded the crowd for each being special in their own way, and encouraged their futher growth through participation, education, and empowerment.

UN Representative Jackline Obwanda Commends Local Action

Delivering a heartfelt speech, Jackline Obwanda, a United Nations Poulation UFund (UNFPA) representative who also collaborates with the Vanuatu Women’s Centre, and Australian Assist, praised the transformative impact of cricket on mental health and gender inclusion.

Recognising May as Mental Health Awareness Month, Ms Obwanda applauded VCA for creating a space where women can “relax, play, and take care of their mental wellbeing.” She highlighted the power of sport to break gender barriers, foster confidence, and build capacity for women and girls.

Her core message— “Show up and speak up”—encouraged women to advocate for themselves, especially when facing adversity or violence. “When you show up for yourself,” she said, “you gain the inner strength to overcome challenges.”

Jackline also celebrated the progress made in women’s cricket in Vanuatu, sharing her admiration for the national women’s team and urging attendees to continue sharing the message of empowerment throughout their communities. Further Remarks from the Acting Australian High Commissioner – Emily Fisher Celebrating National Women’s Day through Sport and Solidarity

During her keynote address at the National Women’s Day joint event hosted by the Vanuatu Women’s Centre (VWC) and Vanuatu Cricket Association (VCA), Acting Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Ms. Emily Fisher, expanded on Australia’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and community development through sport.

Ms. Fisher highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing gender-based violence and promoting inclusive communities. She noted that National Women’s Day not only celebrates the achievements of women but also serves as a vital platform to raise awareness of the social and political issues impacting them.

“This year’s theme — ‘We work together to promote gender equality through sport’ — reflects the strength of partnerships and the transformative power of sport,” Ms. Fisher stated. “As someone who personally enjoys playing sport, I understand how it can unite people, support mental and physical well-being, and create space for learning and growth.”

She also reaffirmed Australia’s pride in its enduring partnership with the Vanuatu Women’s Centre, spanning more than three decades, and its support for Vanuatu Cricket’s Appeal Against Violence program. Through the Team Up! initiative, this program is helping to integrate messages of equality, respect, and non-violence into sports culture and beyond.

“We must continue to act together — through programs like this and community events like today — to ensure all women and girls have the right to live safe, healthy, and empowered lives,” Ms. Fisher said. “When we support women, we strengthen entire communities and the nation as a whole.”

The High Commissioner concluded her remarks by encouraging continued engagement, collaboration, and awareness before joining attendees in a friendly cricket match that captured the spirit of the day: unity, empowerment, and collective action.