Well-Being Indicators

At Melanesian Women Today, our utmost priority is the well-being and empowerment of women. This is the yardstick by which we measure our success and progress. We firmly believe that true well-being extends beyond conventional metrics, encompassing various aspects of a woman's life in the Melanesian region. To capture the essence of well-being, we have meticulously crafted a comprehensive set of indicators based on Melanesian values and principles. These indicators span crucial areas that we focused on such as education, health, and economic opportunities. They reflect the unique challenges and aspirations faced by Melanesian women.

Our inspiration stems from the groundbreaking Vanuatu development framework, which has pioneered the concept of holistic well-being through innovative progress indicators. This framework acknowledges the pivotal role of indigenous Melanesian cultures, values, and traditions in shaping well-being. Importantly, the indicators utilized in Vanuatu resonate with other Pacific Island countries and communities, attesting to their relevance, adaptability and resilience. Preserving and acquiring indigenous and traditional knowledge lie at the core of our mission. We deeply value the rich cultural heritage of Melanesia, aiming to safeguard it for future generations. We actively support initiatives that promote the preservation and transmission of such knowledge, while empowering women to acquire new skills and knowledge in our rapidly changing world.

We recognize that physical health and access to healthcare are fundamental components of well-being. Consequently, we advocate for improved healthcare infrastructure and services, with a specific focus on addressing the unique health challenges faced by Melanesian women.Every woman and girl deserves good health as a basic right. Therefore, our goal is to make sure that every woman can access good healthcare and the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding their well-being. Furthermore, we firmly believe in the power of social resilience and community support for the empowerment of Melanesian women. Through our programs and initiatives, we cultivate strong networks and support systems that empower women to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives. Collaboration and cooperation among women, communities, and stakeholders are key drivers of positive change.

By leveraging our well-being indicators toolkit, Melanesian Women Today effectively evaluates and monitors the progress and impact of our initiatives. These indicators provide a comprehensive framework to comprehend and address the unique needs and aspirations of Melanesian women in the region. They guide our organization in assessing our impact, ensuring that our programs and interventions effectively tackle the specific challenges faced by women in the Melanesian region. Moreover, these indicators play a vital role in redefining well-being within the Melanesian context, acknowledging the significance of cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and social resilience. By emphasizing happiness, access, knowledge, health, and social resilience, we foster a more inclusive and holistic understanding of well-being, empowering women in the Melanesian region to lead fulfilling lives while embracing their cultural heritage.

Furthermore, by employing these well-being indicators, we identify areas for improvement, allocate resources effectively, and collaborate with stakeholders to address gender inequalities and promote the well-being of women. These indicators empower us to advocate for policies and programs tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of Melanesian women, fostering positive and sustainable change throughout the region. These indicators are also backed by years of research by the Vanuatu government through and our own research in and off the field. Through the utilization of this well-being indicators toolkit, Melanesian Women Today ensures that our efforts are guided by a comprehensive and inclusive understanding of well-being indicators. We prioritize the values, traditions, cultures, and aspirations of the Melanesian women, communities, and groups we work with.

Our goal is to create a future where every Melanesian woman can achieve her greatest potential, live a life of respect and empowerment, and make meaningful contributions to her community. We sincerely appreciate your involvement in this transformative journey of promoting well-being and empowerment in Melanesia. Together, let's shape a brighter future where women thrive and communities flourish.

Category Well-Being Indicators Description
Access Indigenous Lands Measures unrestricted access to ancestral lands, allowing engagement in cultural practices and livelihoods without barriers.
Forest and Marine Resources Assesses freedom to utilize forest and marine resources for sustenance, economic activities, and cultural practices without limitations.
Traditional Wealth Items Focuses on the ability to obtain and utilize traditional wealth items, such as artifacts and heirlooms, which hold cultural, social, and economic significance.
Employment and Income Examines access to employment opportunities that provide fair wages, decent working conditions, and economic empowerment.
Financial Services Measures availability and accessibility of financial services, such as banking and credit, to promote economic empowerment and inclusion.
Services and Infrastructure Evaluates availability and accessibility of essential services and infrastructure, such as education, healthcare, and transportation.
Satisfaction and Trust Reflects level of satisfaction and trust in services provided and service providers, indicating effectiveness and responsiveness of delivery systems.
Knowledge Language Assesses preservation and use of Melanesian languages, acknowledging their cultural importance and role in identity and communication.
Traditional Knowledge Measures extent to which Melanesian women possess and can pass on traditional knowledge, including indigenous practices, rituals, healing methods, and ecological wisdom.
Production Skills Examines proficiency and continuity of traditional production skills among Melanesian women, such as weaving, pottery, carving, or other crafts that contribute to cultural heritage and economic activities.
Academic Participation and Attainment Focuses on enrollment, participation, and educational achievements of Melanesian women in formal academic settings, promoting equal access to quality education and skill development.
Literacy Measures level of literacy among Melanesian women, emphasizing their ability to read, write, and comprehend information in their native language and other relevant languages.
Physical Health Food Security Assesses availability, accessibility, and affordability of nutritious food to ensure consistent access to an adequate and balanced diet.
Participation in Organized Sport Measures engagement of Melanesian women in organized sports activities, contributing to physical fitness, well-being, and social interaction.
Substance Use Focuses on the consumption patterns and potential impacts of substances like kava, alcohol, tobacco, and betel nut on the health and well-being of Melanesian women.
Immunization Tracks immunization coverage of Melanesian women, particularly for preventable diseases such as diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus.
Illness Examines the prevalence and incidence of illnesses, diseases, and health conditions affecting Melanesian women, with a focus on healthcare access and treatment options.
Disability Addresses the well-being of Melanesian women living with disabilities, emphasizing their rights, inclusion, and access to support services and opportunities.
Social Resilience Social Connections Acknowledges the importance of social connections and networks in promoting well-being, focusing on inclusion and integration of Melanesian women within their communities.
Social Support Measures availability and strength of social support networks for Melanesian women, including family, friends, and community, which contribute to their emotional, psychological, and material well-being.
Reciprocity and Exchange Evaluates presence and effectiveness of reciprocal relationships and exchange systems within Melanesian communities, promoting social cohesion, cooperation, and mutual assistance.
Gender Equality Addresses level of gender equality and empowerment of Melanesian women, emphasizing their rights, opportunities, and access to decision-making processes.
Trust Measures the level of trust among Melanesian women and their communities, indicating social cohesion, safety, and cooperation within the social fabric.
Safety and Security Assesses the safety and security of Melanesian women, focusing on protection from violence, abuse, discrimination, and other threats to their well-being.
Traditional Governance Recognizes the importance of traditional governance structures in Melanesian societies, assessing their support for the well-being, rights, and participation of women.
Ceremonial Participation Measures the involvement of Melanesian women in cultural ceremonies, rituals, and traditional practices, acknowledging their role in preserving cultural heritage and enhancing well-being.

Taken from Vanuatu National Statistics Office: Well Being Report