AUSTRALIA is proud to host the ‘Women in Law and Justice Breakfast’ event at the Heritage Park hotel early this week in Honiara.
The Solomon Islands Australia Partnership for Justice hosted the event, which was well attended by representatives from the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA), Magistrates Court, Correctional Service Solomon Islands (CSSI), Attorney-General’s Chambers, Solomon Islands Law Reform Commission, Police Prosecutions Directorate, Public Solicitors Office, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and People With Disabilities Solomon Islands (PWDSI), as well as officials from the Australian High Commission and program team.
The event started with a panel discussion between four leaders from CSSI, PWDSI, and MJLA and the private sector about their career trajectories and reflections on the law and justice sector. Attendees then had the opportunity to network, and to share ideas and suggestions for increasing women’s participation and leadership.
Correctional Service Solomon Islands Superintendent Madame Needy Taingeia talked about the impact of events like these on women’s leadership development “I believe creating and encouraging more space to talk about women’s strengths in the Law and Justice Sector will build women to be more resilient, enabling them to overcome barriers they face in their workspace”.
Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor Lindsay Buckingham was pleased to attend the event and emphasised the importance of events like these to hear from the women of Solomon Islands. “Supporting women’s leadership and participation is a big focus of the Solomon Islands Australia justice partnership. This event was a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from current and emerging female leaders about their experiences, insights and priorities.”
She also emphasised the long partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia, adding “justice is vital to stability, security and prosperity, and Australia is proud to be Solomon Islands enduring partner in the sector”.