Markson Taiki

Date: 30 Jan 2024

Video Producer; MATAKAMBU Productions

Can you briefly introduce yourself – in what capacity did you work and engage with BOP?

My name is Markson Taiki. I am from the island of Ambae. I am a video producer for MATAKAMBU – a production unit based in Port Vila. We specialise in corporate videos and documentaries.

I was asked by BOP and the Vanuatu Broadcasting Television Corporation (VBTC) to produce an episode of the ‘Tru the Lens’ documentary series in October 2021. The episode was called ‘Komuniti mo Futbol – Storian blong Shirley Tokon’.

Based on the success of the first film, we were assigned to produce another episode. We recently just finished its production in the Banks Islands, in Torba province.

Can you tell us how has the ‘Tru the Lens’ film project has shaped and influenced your craft as a producer and your views on women in leadership/ shared leadership?

The level of energy and commitment needed to maintain a football club is hard for an outsider to imagine. I am very thankful to Madam President Shirley Tokon and North Efate United Football Club for allowing me to tell their story. I saw the different dynamics of leadership at play in the community and club. One trait that stood out was the level of sacrifice, leadership and direction shown by Shirley and her executives to revive the team and rally support. Shirley spoke many times about using football as a tool to build up young leaders, which is really inspiring.

There are many women in Vanuatu who have not received the level of recognition that they deserve. They bring a different element of leadership and change, and a lot of these women have many amazing stories that need to be told, so they can inspire the next group of young leaders. Men also play a key role in encouraging women’s leadership; it is important they support platforms that encourage women to take up leadership roles.

In your opinion – how have the Balance of Power ‘Tru the Lens’ films influenced, inspired or changed your view on leadership and on inclusive and shared leadership in the community?

My views on leadership are still the same. Women are already leading in the community.

We all need to see the bigger picture. Vanuatu is a small dot on the world map – for our people to advance, we need to recognise both women and men and utilise every available resource based on merit regardless of gender.

In your opinion, what role might BOP continue to play in promoting women’s leadership?

Communication and dialogue between men and women is key. It is important to create events where people can freely express themselves without fear, as this will help identify areas of concern and improvement. BOP needs to showcase more stories on women’s leadership and raise more awareness, especially with the next generation of leaders. Furthermore, the re-occurring theme that we will explore in my next documentary is the fear women face in Vanuatu’s rural society, so make sure you follow Balance of Power and MATAKAMBU on social media for more information.