BY JOY OFASIA
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Health Services Pauline McNeil unveiled the Women’s Leadership Initiative, sparking hope and inspiration for women across Solomon Islands’ health sector.
The launch held at the Heritage Park Hotel yesterday, coinciding with the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, celebrated trailblazing women and promised a brighter, more inclusive future for healthcare.
McNeil described the initiative as a game-changer. “The Women’s Leadership Initiative, as we launch today, marks an important step forward for the Ministry of Health and Health Services,” she said. “It represents a deliberate effort to create pathways for our women in the service, opening opportunities for them empowering them, building their capacity to ensure they’re confident and competent in the work that they do.”
McNeil outlined key commitments: “We will be promoting soft training, mentoring, and leadership training to strengthen women’s skills, confidence, and readiness for leadership roles.” She added partnerships with national and global networks, and an alignment of leaders for mentoring across facilities—from rural health centers to ministry headquarters.
The Permanent Secretary also vowed advocacy for reforms: transparent promotions, safe workplaces free of harassment, flexible arrangements, and zero tolerance for violence. “These commitments are essential if we want a leadership culture that truly reflects the talent, the skills, and the diversity of our health workforce,” she said.
Meanwhile, McNeil added that the launch signals a ministry ready for transformation. “A ministry where women’s leadership is recognised, supported, valued, appreciated, and embedded across all levels of the health system.”
