New Zealand and Australia support Vanuatu Women's Centre

On 4 November 2010, the Governments of New Zealand and Australia signed an agreement to jointly fund the Vanuatu Women's Centre (VWC) and its provincial branches until June 2012, marking an important step towards strengthening donor harmonisation in Vanuatu. Untill recently, funding to the women's centre was managed separately - with New Zealand Funding the Sanma Counselling Centre in Luganville, Santo since 1995.

"The Vanuatu Women's Centre congratulates the Governments of Australia and New Zealand for their committment to eliminating violence against women in Vanuatu" said VWC Director, Ms Merilyn Tahi, during the sigining ceremony.

The VWC provides counselling and legal services for up to 5000 people across Vanuatu, and reaches people through community education programs.