VNCW empowers Napko Women with sewing equipment to strengthen livelihood skills
April 28, 2025 9:55 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Kizzy Kalsakau.
The Vanuatu National Council of Women (VNCW) has extended vital support to the Napko Women’s Presbyterian Women’s Mission Union (PWMU) through the donation of sewing machines and supplies, aimed at empowering young girls and women with practical skills to improve community livelihoods.
The donation ceremony took place on Thursday, 10 April 2025, and was led by the 15th President of VNCW, Mrs. Anita Deroin, Vice President and SHEFA Provincial Council of Women President Mrs. Leisara Kalotiti, and VNCW Executive Director Leiasmanu Cullwick.
The Napko PWMU received two manual sewing machines, two pairs of scissors, four rolls of 20-yard fabric, two bottles of machine lubrication oil, and packets of sewing machine needles. The donation was made in response to a request from Napko PWMU, seeking assistance to equip local girls and women with sewing skills that can help generate household income and uplift their communities.
VNCW, established in 1980, is the national umbrella organisation for women’s groups across Vanuatu. It was created to advocate for gender equality, empower women through education and capacity-building, and promote their participation in development and decision-making processes at all levels. The Council works in collaboration with provincial women’s councils, churches, and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to advance the rights and welfare of Ni-Vanuatu women.
To mark the beginning of their 2025 activities and training sessions, the Napko PWMU members came together on Tuesday, 22 April. Elder Flora Kalsal led a blessing ceremony for the donated equipment and shared words of encouragement. The event concluded with light refreshments, as the women celebrated a new chapter of empowerment and opportunity. The Napko PWMU expressed heartfelt appreciation to VNCW for the timely and meaningful contribution.
