AUSTRALIA was proud to support a host of events supporting gender equality in the law and justice sector as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The five events reflect the Solomon Islands-Australia law and justice partnership focus on promoting gender equality and supporting agencies to better serve the needs of Solomon Islands’ most vulnerable community members, those subject to family and sexual violence.
Thirty-three participants from agencies across the law and justice sector attended a workshop on promoting gender equality drawing on First Nations approaches in the Australian context.
This event drew on the strengths and insights of Australia’s First Nations people in navigating gender dynamics, equality and GBV in the community.
The Women in Justice Case Study was launched as part of this years’ Women in Law and Justice Series, which aims to promote networking, career development and pathways in Solomon Islands.
On the same evening, the Solomon Islands Women Lawyers Association (SIWLA) official launch was held at Heritage Park Hotel. The Association will focus on promoting networking, dialogue, and support for women lawyers in Solomon Islands.
The sector launched the Law and Justice Basic Gender, Power Relations and Violence Against Women training manual, designed to support officials from different public service agencies to understand gender dynamics and foster equality in their workplaces, family and communities.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services officially launched the manual, which she hoped would foster a culture of respect, understanding and collaboration.
“Together let us take a proactive stance in making a safer and more equitable society for all our citizens.”
Permanent Secretary Galokale thanked the Australian Government for working closely with Solomon Islands’ officers on important initiatives like these.
The Victorian Bar delivered training for 34 officials the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Police Prosecutions Division of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, to build prosecutorial expertise on in handling cases of sexual offences against children.
High Commissioner H.E. Rod Hilton said that the success of these initiatives was underpinned by the strong commitment and determination of the sector to protect Solomon Islands’ most vulnerable community members.
“It’s clear that the law and justice sector is dedicated to strengthening service delivery to better serve the Solomon Islands community, and that includes advancing gender equality in each part of the justice system.”
“Australia is proud to be supporting the sector’s leadership through our law and justice partnership”.
These initiatives are supported through the Australia-Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice.
