BY JOY OFASIA
THE Australian Government is pleased to support the Oxfam Safe Families program as one of the largest donors for gender equality initiatives in the Solomon Islands.
This was highlighted by the Acting High Commissioner for the Australian High Commission in the Solomon Islands, Sally-Ann Vincent in her speech during the Oxfam Safe Families Phase II Annual Reflection workshop opening at the Iron Bottom Sound hotel on Tuesday.
The Acting High Commissioner said Australia has supported the Safe Families program since its very beginning in 2014.
“Phase II of the program sees our support extended through to the end of December 2023. That is almost a decade. A decade of working together, in partnership to prevent violence against women and girls,” the Acting High Commissioner for the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands.
She acknowledged the work of the partners presented that day.
“Whether you are working with OXFAM, implementing this program on the ground in the provinces, or undertaking important Policy work to guide the agenda in the offices of the Ministry of Youth Women, Children and Family Affairs. Your efforts are important and make a difference to our families in the Solomon Islands,” she said.
She said that the outcome of the annual reflection workshop will not only allow partners to reflect on achievements and challenges for the program but importantly guides actions to inform program planning, implementation, and learning going forward.
Ms. Vincent pointed that as the largest donor for gender equality initiatives in the country, through this support the Australian Government not only works to ensure gender equality is recognized as a human right but importantly as a powerful driver of growth, development, and stability in the Solomon Islands.
“Gender equality cannot be realized without the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls and the work you are doing to achieve this,” she added.
