Who We Are

WHO WE ARE

Melanesian Women Today is guided by ONE powerful, central conviction:

”MELANESIAN WOMEN AND GIRLS ARE THE ESSENTIAL ARCHITECTS OF CHANGE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES AND ACROSS ONE OF OCEANIA’S MOST CULTURALLY RICH REGIONS. MORE OVER, MELANESIAN WOMEN AND GIRLS ARE LEADERS, NOT PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED.”

We are an Indigenous-led, international organization working across Melanesia and Oceania, including Vanuatu, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Kanaky (New Caledonia), and Australian South Sea Islander communities.

OUR PLACE IN MELANESIA

1: MELANEISAN COMMUNITY-LED CHAPTERS

Our regional, community-led chapters are the core of MWT. They are not branches of a central office, but locally driven spaces where programs are designed, decisions are made, and leadership is nurtured.

Each chapter is rooted in local knowledge, cultural practices, and community priorities, ensuring that every initiative is culturally sensitive, accountable to communities, and aligned with daily realities.

Through these chapters, we work closely with grassroots associations, villages, schools, institutions, families, and community organizations. Supporting girls during critical stages of learning and identity development allows us to strengthen leadership, cultural pride, and educational opportunities early, while remaining aligned with local education systems and community values.

“OUR CHAPTERS TURN LOCAL KNOWLEDGE INTO ACTION, BUILDING STRONGER, RESILIENT COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE PACIFIC AND ITS DIASPORA.”

OUR PLACE ON TURTLE ISLAND

2: USA MWT CHAPTER - International Partnership Hub

Based on Bainbridge Island, Washington, Turtle Island (USA), and operating as guests on the territory of the xʷsəq̓ʷəb (Suquamish) People, the International Partnership Hub supports—not directs—our regional chapters.

The Hub’s role is strategic and outward-facing:

  • Stewarding global partnerships

  • Managing administration and compliance

  • Securing funding

Amplifying the voices of Melanesian women internationally, supporting Indigenous-led initiatives across the Pacific, and engaging Melanesian communities in the diaspora

It also facilitates collaborations with schools, universities, and institutions worldwide, creating opportunities for exchange, learning, and long-term partnerships grounded in mutual respect.

“KNOWLEDGE AND AUTHORITY FLOW FROM MELANESIA OUTWARD, WHILE RESOURCES, ADVOCACY, AND SOLIDARITY FLOW BACK IN SUPPORT.”

WE ALSO HONOR THE BROADER MELANESIAN COMMUNITIES IN WEST PAPUA, THE MALUKU ISLANDS (INCLUDING GROUPS IN THE ARU ISLANDS AND

HALMAHERA WITH SIGNIFICANT MELANESIAN AND PAPUAN ANCESTRY, THE TORRES STRAIT ISLANDS, NORFOLK ISLAND, AND TIMOR‑LESTE—EACH

WITH UNIQUE HISTORIES, KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS, AND LASTING RELATIONSHIPS WITH LAND, WATER, AND SENTIENT BEINGS.