SHE LEADS initiative illuminates the entrepreneurial spirit of Pacific women
In the Blue Pacific lies a tapestry of cultures and traditions woven together by the resilient spirit of its people. Among them, women stand as pillars of strength and ingenuity, driving economic growth and societal change. It is within this vibrant backdrop that Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand (PTI NZ) launched its pioneering SHE LEADS initiative, an endeavour aimed at celebrating and amplifying the voices of women entrepreneurs across the region.
The SHE LEADS project, rooted in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, embodies PTI NZ’s vision of a sustainable and resilient model of economic development that benefits all Pacific peoples. From leaders in commerce, to bustling island markets, to remote village communities, the project seeks to shine a spotlight on established businesses with women at the helm, to hear their journeys and celebrate their successes.
The project started in New Caledonia, a French territory renowned for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Over the course of a week, a small film crew delved into the entrepreneurial fabric of the island, capturing the stories and experiences of women who are shaping the economic landscape with their resilience and innovation.
Inspiring stories of entrepreneurship
One such entrepreneur is Christianne Waneissi, a Kanak woman with a passion for fashion and a vision for change. As the founder of her own fashion brand, Chateaubriand, Christianne has carved a niche for herself in the competitive world of fashion and accessories. With garments and bags inspired by her Kanak heritage and infused with modern flair, Christianne’s creations have garnered international acclaim, captivating audiences far beyond the shores her home island, Lifou.
Through an interview with Christianne, the film crew uncovered the inspiration behind her brand and the challenges she has faced as a female entrepreneur in the Pacific. With grace and determination, Christianne shared her journey, from humble beginnings to the global stage, highlighting the importance of perseverance and self-belief in the face of adversity.
The crew also filmed a 30-minute presentation by Christianne at the Festival Égalité Sororité in Nouméa, where she spoke passionately about the need for more investment in women-led businesses.
Accompanying Christianne on her entrepreneurial journey in New Caledonia are women like Betty Levanque of Nouméa, owner of three businesses in the catering and cleaning sectors, and organiser of a shared foods trust and low-cost cafe; Daniéle Selefen, who lives on Lifou island and manages a cooperative that produces and exports honey; and two seaweed scientists, Laura Lagourgue and Lydiane Mattio, who are using results of their research to establish a start-up aquaculture company.
As the film crew journeyed through New Caledonia, they encountered countless other enterprising businesswomen, each with their own unique stories and contributions to make. The entrepreneurial spirit of Pacific women was palpable, driving change and innovation at every turn. The crew filmed 18 such women entrepreneurs in the French Pacific territory.
These women represent many business sectors: agriculture, catering, clothing design and manufacture, creative industries, cultural tourism, engineering, journalism, leadership, manufacturing, marketing, mining, oceanography, retail, scientific start-ups, teaching, vocational training – even professional sport.
The women interviewed also represented in the same demographic ratios, the groups that make up the New Caledonia community: Kanak (the indigenous people), Caldoches (long-term French settlers), Zoreille (French expats) and people of Vietnamese and Algerian descent.
Pacific women’s entrepreneurial spirit
With each interview, the resilience and determination of Pacific women in the face of adversity became evident. Despite the challenges they face, whether it be gender inequality, lack of access to resources, challenging market conditions (in that week, the New Caledonia economy was rocked by the closure of a massive nickel mining company), or cultural barriers, these women continue to defy the odds and blaze a trail for future generations to follow.
As the SHE LEADS initiative continues to unfold, visiting other Pacific Islands, including the Cook Islands, Tonga and Samoa this year, it promises to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for women across the Pacific.
Through the power of storytelling and visual media, PTI NZ is shining a spotlight on the often-overlooked contribution of women in business, amplifying their voices and celebrating their achievements on the global stage.
The SHE LEADS project is illuminating the entrepreneurial spirit of Pacific women, one story at a time.
The SHE LEADS interviews will be distributed via online video-sharing platforms such as YouTube and Vimeo, and on PTI NZ social media networks and website.
