Port Vila, Vanuatu – In December 2024, Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, was struck by a powerful earthquake that wreaked widespread destruction. For communities that had already faced the harsh realities of cyclones and other natural hazards, the earthquake was yet another cruel test of survival. Amid the rubble and uncertainty, the women of Port Vila emerged not only as survivors but as leaders in the recovery process.
One of these women is Rossie, a mother of three who worked at a hotel near Port Vila. When the earthquake hit, Rossie had just begun her shift at the hotel. As the walls shook and people scrambled for safety, Rossie focused on staying calm and helping others to evacuate. "It was terrifying, but I knew I had to stay strong for those around me," she said.
After the quake, Port Vila was shut down by the government for demolition work. Rossie's home was destroyed, and her workplace was in ruins. With nowhere else to go, she moved in with her brother to the village of Erangorango. Despite losing her job, Rossie remains hopeful. "I might have lost my job, but I am grateful to be here with my family," she shared. "I hope to find another job in the hospitality industry, and I believe we will rebuild stronger."
Women in Port Vila are leading recovery efforts – organizing meals, providing childcare, and helping communities rebuild after the devastating earthquake. Photo: IOM Vanuatu
Rossie’s determination and hope reflect the resilient spirit of women across Port Vila. Another example is Jhony, a resident of the Melemaat Bridge evacuation centre. The earthquake triggered landslides that destroyed nine households, including hers. Her husband was injured by falling debris, leaving him temporarily unable to walk.
"We were fortunate that no one was seriously injured, especially since the quake struck during the daytime, when my children were not at school," Jhony recounted. "It has been almost four months since the earthquake, and we have been living in this church with 21 other people. We still do not know how we will rebuild our home.”
The earthquake left hundreds of people without jobs, with women particularly impacted. The bustling handicraft markets that once thrived in the downtown area had vanished, depriving many women of their livelihood. Moreover, reports of gender-based violence rose as financial instability and limited job opportunities placed additional pressure on families.
Despite these challenges, women across Port Vila have become key figures in the recovery and rebuilding efforts. In Erangorango, where many displaced families sought refuge, women in host households took the lead, organizing daily meal rotations and providing childcare. This allowed others to focus on clearing debris or searching for new sources of income.
IOM staff, in collaboration with UN Women, conducted a joint field assessment in the communities affected by the earthquake to evaluate the ongoing needs and support recovery effort. Photo: IOM Vanuatu/Junior Albert Willie Karlosaruru
IOM staff, in collaboration with UN Women, conducted a joint field assessment in the communities affected by the earthquake to evaluate the ongoing needs and support recovery effort. Photo: IOM Vanuatu/Junior Albert Willie Karlosaruru
Rossie, though unemployed, was determined to make a difference. Drawing on her hotel management experience, she worked with other women to identify families in urgent need. Together, they supported informal relief coordination efforts, ensuring that help reached those who needed it most.
Meanwhile, at the Melemaat Bridge evacuation centre, Jhony joined a committee of women who managed donations, distributed food, and created a safe corner for children to play.
These grassroots efforts by women have been critical in maintaining stability during a time of uncertainty. They have brought structure to the chaos and reinforced the social fabric necessary for long-term recovery. As Vanuatu continues on its journey of rebuilding, the tireless contributions of women have laid the foundation for a resilient future.
In response to the devastation, the United Nations’ Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocated USD 1 million in humanitarian aid for the Vanuatu earthquake response. Of this, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) received USD 300,000 to provide shelter assistance, track displacement, and support the management of evacuation centres. This funding ensures that affected communities have the resources to rebuild their lives and restore stability.
IOM Vanuatu's Chief of Mission visited and discussed with the affected community at Mele Maat Bridge evacuation centre. Photo: IOM Vanuatu
However, long before international aid arrived, recovery efforts were already underway thanks to the resourcefulness, strength and determination of local women. As Vanuatu moves forward, collaboration between the Government, humanitarian organizations, and international donors will be essential in addressing the long-term impacts of the earthquake. However, the women of Vanuatu have already shown the world the power of resilience, standing tall as pillars of hope in the face of adversity.
This story was written by Elisabeth Araújo, National Programme Officer – Emergency Post-Crisis at IOM Timor-Leste, on assignment in Vanuatu.
