Picture caption: Music for Change: Pacific Women is designed to uplift and motivate the next generation of women in Bougainville, Tonga and across the Pacific. Photo credit: Wantok Musik.
Source: Wantok Musik
Through collaborative songwriting, mentoring, recording, performance, filmmaking and storytelling, creative and technical capability is being strengthened through the Music for Change: Pacific Women in Bougainville and Tonga during 2026.
The initiative, which builds pathways for cultural and economic participation in the music and arts sectors, is grounded in Pacific-led delivery and shaped through collaboration with local women’s organisations, cultural leaders and community partners.
Led by Wantok Music Foundation, the project is made possible by the Pacific Women Lead at the Pacific Community (PWL at SPC) programme, supported by the Australian Government.
Artistic Director Dr David Bridie and Australian Project Manager Dr Jodie Kell have curated a group of mentors to take to Bougainville and Tonga and will also work closely with local organisations to support the delivery and promotion of the project.
David says the project starts with listening.
“It’s about creating the conditions for women to tell their own stories, in their own voices, and to build skills that endure well beyond the time we spend on the ground.”
Jodie adds the team are excited to be working in Bougainville and Tonga, alongside dynamic and talented local mentors and artists.
“The standard of the applicants, both for participants and mentors, is so high,” she says.
“We believe the outcomes will be powerful, exciting and great listening.”
The Bougainville programme based in Tubiana has just concluded and has been named the Meri Singsing Strong Project.
Approximately 20 women participates, supported by Bougainville Project Manager Llane Munau and mentors Beatrice Lewis, Monique Brumby, Theresa Miria and Tziyon Mogu, as well as local artists Kamalita Tibou, Tasha Kabano, Emma Getsi and Mary Diao.
This project builds on the Lek Mak Project, a music and culture project facilitated by Wantok Musik celebrating the cultural depth and significance of Bougainville in the context of their transition to nationhood.
Bougainville Project Manager Llane Munau worked as a filmmaker during the project, mentoring participants to develop their filmmaking and storytelling skills creating documentary content as well as music videos.
She says the project reflects the central role women play in Bougainville culture and community life.
“Singing and music is part of us. It expresses who we are as Bougainvillean women.
“This project will elevate women musicians by creating opportunities to have their voices heard — locally, regionally and internationally.
“Then everyone will see it’s not only men who can do this, women can be empowered through music too.”
The programme in Tonga, called Fefine To’a, will be staged from August 3 – 21, and will be supported by Project Manager ‘Ofa Guttenbeil Likiliki and Project Support Mia Kami, as well as mentors Aubrie Mitchell, Adriana Māhanga Lear and Beatrice Lewis from Australia and New Zealand.
The project team is also collaborating with the Ofa-Ki-Tonga Music Collab, a newly formed Tonga-led music collaboration and creative cultural platform celebrating Tongan talent at home and across the Moana.
It aims to open up discussion about the power of music to influence change through messaging and strong role models.
The project team will engage local community and women’s organisations in the programme delivery.
Currently, the project team is contacting local artist mentors and the application process for participants is open.
Music For Change: Pacific Women, will generate a few tangible outcomes, first and foremost, the creation of new music resulting in a compilation album and documentary film from Bougainville and Tonga.
All the music and content will be able to be shared through Wantok Musik’s platforms and those of our partners.
It is hoped the music created not only uplifts the participating women, but the songs will motivate the next generation of women in Bougainville, Tonga and across the Pacific.
Visit the Wantok Musik website for more information.