Australian High Commission
Port Vila
Vanuatu

Events

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Hanson Mataskelekele, Andy Lynch and the new Mildred Sope International Women’s Day Awards

The Australian High Commission in partnership with the Mataskelekele, Lynch and Sope families is pleased to announce the introduction of a new International Women’s Day award, the Mildred Sope Award for Creative Storytelling. This award will be presented at our 2024 International Women’s Day awards event and joins our two flagship International Women’s Day awards, the Hanson Mataskelekele Award for Women in Leadership and the Andy Lynch Award for Excellence in the Community Sector.

We are now inviting members of the public to nominate outstanding women for the three awards to mark International Women’s Day 2024. Winners will be announced by the Australian High Commissioner in a ceremony in March 2024.

These awards are a joint initiative of the Mataskelekele, Lynch and Sope families and the Australian High Commission in Port Vila to recognise the contribution and leadership of women in public life, community, creative arts and society as a whole.

 

The Andy Lynch Award for Excellence in the Community Sector

 

Mrs Andy Lynch was a strong advocate for equality, especially for people living with disabilities. Members of the public are invited to nominate women who have demonstrated commitment to building stronger, inclusive and more sustainable communities in Vanuatu.

 

Nomination Questions:

  1. How has the nominee demonstrated a commitment to serving others, particularly those considered to be most vulnerable?
  2. What positive contribution has the nominee made to the community?
  3. In what ways has the nominee served as a role model to inspire others?

 

The Hanson Mataskelekele Award for Women in Leadership

 

Mrs Hanson Mataskelekele was a teacher and former first lady who advanced women’s rights, education, women’s leadership and helped other women reach their potential. For the award, members of the public are invited to nominate women who have demonstrated ongoing strong skills in leadership.

 

Nomination Questions:

  1. How has the nominee demonstrated exceptional leadership in their field/community?
  2. What positive impact has their work had on their colleagues and/or community?
  3. In what ways has the nominee set an example that could inspire or empower other women to assume leadership roles?

 

 

The Mildred Sope Award for Creative Storytelling

 

Mrs Mildred Sope was a teacher, women rights and political advocate and published poet. For the Mildred Sope award, the public is invited to nominate women who have used creative mediums to portray stories on issues important to Vanuatu society. 

 

Nomination Questions:

  1. How has the nominee’s creative work contributed positively to storytelling in Vanuatu?
  2. How has the creative storytelling product raised awareness on important issues for women and girls?
  3. In what ways has the nominee served as a role model to inspire others to be creative?

 

Submissions should include the nominee’s full name, their contact details and answer the key questions for the relevant award. Answers for each key question should be approximately 250 words. Please include an image of the nominee and gain the nominee’s permission for the Australian High Commission to use their image in media and social media.

 

Please send your submission to the Australian High Commission either in writing to P.O. Box 111, Port Vila or via email to [email protected].

 

Nominations for all three awards close on Wednesday 14th February 2024.