BY JOY OFASIA
A concerned Honiara resident has called for an expanded skills program for women in communities across the country.
Davinia, who resides in Mbokonavera One in Central Honiara, told SOLOMON WOMEN the importance of providing women with opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge in order to empower them in various aspects of their lives.
“Our new government leaders must start an ongoing program or activities for women and girls in communities that will empower them to engage in better things that will help them in the future,” she said. “These ongoing programs should typically focus on empowering women by equipping them with practical skills that enhance their personal development, economic opportunities, and overall well-being.”
According to Davinia, women often face barriers to accessing education and training programs, which limit their ability to secure stable employment and achieve financial independence. By expanding skills programs specifically tailored to women, Davinia believes that more women will be able to enter the workforce and contribute to the economy.
“These types of programs play a crucial role in promoting gender equality, economic empowerment, and social inclusion for women,” Davinia said. “When providing programs (like financial literacy workshops) with practical skills, women should also be provided with essential financial management skills such as budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding financial products and services.
Davinia also highlighted the benefits of investing in women’s skill development, including improved economic growth and social development. She called on government leaders and community leaders to prioritize funding for programs that target women and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.
According to Davinia, there have been a few community-based programs, but they haven’t been continuing, and many women require this kind of training.
“There are so many women in the community that need to be engaged in such training. Our leaders must take the step to make this happen. As we are going towards the elections, I would like to make this a call to the new leaders to see this as one of the aims to be carried out in the communities,” she said.
