BY JOY OFASIA
The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) has congratulated the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) on the launch of its Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Mainstreaming Strategy 2026–2030.
Speaking at the launch in Honiara today, MWYCFA representative Vaela Ngai commended the leadership and perseverance of MFMR in mainstreaming GEDSI across the ministry and the fisheries sector.
Ngai said the strategy provides an important framework for addressing the structural, economic and cultural barriers that continue to affect gender equality, disability and social inclusion in Solomon Islands.
She stressed that GEDSI mainstreaming is ultimately about ensuring that disadvantaged and vulnerable groups are not left behind in the development and management of the country’s fisheries resources.
“The lived experiences, unique knowledge and skills of marginalized and vulnerable groups, including women, youths, people with disabilities and the elderly, are critical for ensuring equitable outcomes, inclusive participation and a diverse workforce,” Ngai said.
She said inclusive participation is also important for ensuring effective stewardship of Solomon Islands’ Ocean and marine resources.
Ngai highlighted the strategy’s alignment with several national policies and frameworks, including the National Gender Equality and Women’s Development Policy, the National Disability Development Policy, the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Policy, and the Women, Girls Economic Empowerment Strategy.
She said these linkages would help ensure a coordinated approach to addressing gender inequalities across sectors and contribute to sustainable peace and development.
Ngai urged MFMR stakeholders to ensure the strategy is actively implemented.
“Do not leave this strategy just in your hard drives or printed and left on bookshelves to collect dust, but use it,” she said.
She also announced that MWYCFA and the Ministry of Finance are committed to revisiting discussions on gender-responsive budgeting, with MFMR identified as one of five pilot ministries.
Ngai said continued partnerships with development partners will also be critical to the successful implementation of the strategy.
She acknowledged the support of partners who have contributed to Solomon Islands’ efforts to introduce and strengthen gender mainstreaming across government.
She concluded by congratulating MFMR and reaffirming MWYCFA’s commitment to working with the ministry in implementing the GEDSI Strategy.
