In Vanuatu, Sista is redefining what grassroots leadership looks like – turning ideas into action and nurturing a new generation of feminist changemakers. Through its Accelerator Hub, the country’s only feminist nonprofit is equipping women-led organisations with the tools, skills, and confidence to grow their impact and drive lasting community change.

From its humble beginnings as an online newsletter, Sista Vanuatu has grown into Vanuatu’s only feminist nonprofit organisation – a vibrant, multi-faceted force for change. With a dynamic team of young professionals, Sista is not just implementing projects; it’s cultivating a movement. At the heart of this movement is a bold vision: to become an incubator for young women professionals, fostering creativity, centring staff care, and building the next generation of women leaders.

In 2025, this vision came to life through the Sista Accelerator Hub, a transformative initiative supported by the We Rise Coalition. The Hub is more than a program – it is a living embodiment of Sista’s mission: empowering women and communities through action, creativity, and care.

During May and June 2025, the Accelerator Hub hosted five hands-on workshops designed to help grassroots organisations turn ideas into action. These sessions covered everything from project planning and budgeting to financial management and organisational development. The fourth workshop in May provided practical support for drafting concept notes and budgeted workplans, while the final session on June 16th, led by Sista’s Project Coordinator, focused on financial management. Participants gained essential skills in budgeting, procurement, and financial acquittals – culminating in two completed, costed workplans ready for implementation.

But the journey didn’t end there.
Following the workshops, participants transitioned into one-on-one support sessions, tailored to their specific needs. Whether it was mastering digital tools like Excel and Canva, refining concept notes, or developing networking strategies, Sista walked alongside each organisation, offering personalised guidance and encouragement.
The result? A cohort of empowered grassroots leaders equipped with fundable, actionable project plans – ready to move from vision to reality. Jane Tavoa Latika participated in the Sista Accelerator Hub workshops to strengthen and grow the Port Vila City Council of Women (PVCCW), a community-based organisation with a membership of over 4,000 women across all five Wards of Port Vila.

“I was interested in participating because the Hub was about how to grow an organisation. PVCCW has been here for a while, but its growth has been slow. I wanted to learn how to help it move forward.” – Jane Tavoa Latika, participant

As a result of participation in the workshops, Jane has developed a business plan for PVCCW, along with learning to draft concept notes – a skill she now plans to use to launch a clean-up campaign in Port Vila. “The Project Management module was my favourite. When I became the President of PVCCW, I did a business plan, but as part of the Accelerator Hub, I learned many new things – from drafting concept notes to basics of finance. I found these modules very useful.” Jane’s journey through the Hub reflects the spirit of the Sista Accelerator Hub: empowering women-led organisations to not only sustain their work but grow it with purpose, structure, and vision.

The establishment of the Accelerator Hub is a milestone and testament to Sista’s unwavering commitment to building sustainable, community-driven change. By investing in local capacity and fostering feminist leadership, Sista is not only strengthening organisations – it’s nurturing a movement that will shape Vanuatu’s future for generations to come.

Yasmine Bjornum, Executive Director of Sista facilitates at one of the Accelerator Hub workshops. Image: Sista.