Three young Solomon Islands women are proving that construction is no longer a male-dominated field as they gain valuable hands-on experience through Australia-supported infrastructure projects across the country.
Egah Kapaqole, Priscillar Fakai’a and Delmah Motui have recently completed a six-week internship with local contractor Hatanga, working on the construction of the new Seghe Market in Western Province. Their achievement highlights the growing presence of women in the construction sector and the opportunities being created through skills development programs.
The women are participants in Australia’s women-focused construction and solar photovoltaic (PV) training initiative, which aims to increase the number of qualified women entering technical and trade careers. Through the program, they have completed Certificate III and IV Construction training at SINU TAFE and received additional training in solar PV installation.
Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach said the initiative demonstrates how infrastructure projects can deliver more than buildings by creating pathways to employment and economic empowerment.
“Work experience is one of the most effective ways to bridge the gap between education and employment,” Mr Roach said.
“Our investments in infrastructure are helping Solomon Islanders gain practical skills, secure jobs and build successful careers. We are encouraged to see more young women stepping into trades and helping shape the future workforce of Solomon Islands.”
During their internship, the trainees worked alongside experienced tradespeople, assisting with the tiling of the market’s new amenities block while developing skills in site measurements, calculations and the safe use of construction tools and equipment.
For Priscillar Fakai’a, the experience brought classroom lessons to life.
“When I started working on site, everything made much more sense because I could see and apply what we had learned in class,” she said.
“I enjoy the practical nature of construction work, and this experience has strengthened my desire to build a career in the industry.”
The internship represents a significant step forward for women’s participation in Solomon Islands’ construction sector, where increasing numbers of women are taking on skilled trade roles and challenging traditional barriers .
Meanwhile, the 100 per cent locally built Seghe Market is now more than 75 per cent complete. Once finished, it will provide safe and accessible facilities for 120 vendors and deliver 28,000 litres of bore water storage capacity to support surrounding communities.
The project forms part of Australia’s Provincial Markets Redevelopment Program, which is creating jobs, strengthening local economies and promoting inclusive development across Solomon Islands.
As women like Kapaqole, Fakai’a and Motui continue to break new ground, they are inspiring a new generation of Solomon Islands women to see construction not just as a job, but as a pathway to leadership, economic independence and nation-building.
Source : AHC Media
