BY JOY OFASIA
Two important organisations in the Solomon Islands – the Family Support Centre (FSC) and Christian Care Centre (CCC) – have received an additional SBD 13 million in funding.
This will help them continue providing crucial services to survivors of gender-based violence. The funding comes under the five-year regional initiative called Pacific Strong: Amplifying Action to End Violence against Women and Girls (PAVE). With PAVE, both FSC and CCC are now better equipped to provide life-changing services, reaching more communities, and helping more survivors rebuild their lives with safety, dignity, and hope.
Staff of the Family Support Centre at the launch event.
Speaking at the PAVE launch event last Friday, Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Hon Cathy Nori, highlighted the vital role Australia has played in supporting frontline services for survivors.
“Australia is the biggest supporter and provider of funds on gender issues, like Christian Care Centre, SafeNet, Safe Place, the MWYCFA, Women’s Development Division, Market for Change, and many other projects and programs to empower women and girls,” Hon Nori said.
Hon Cathy Nori, the Minister for the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs, delivered a speech at the launch event.
She explained that PAVE is a five-year initiative designed to expand and strengthen essential services for survivors of gender-based violence. “The Australian government has now announced a huge investment, which will undoubtedly impact the many lives of Solomon Island victims of violence in the country,” she added.
Hon Nori also thanked the Australian government and people for their generous contributions. “On behalf of the Solomon Islands government, the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Family Support Centre, Christian Care Centre in Honiara and Auckland, and SafeNet members, we profoundly thank the Australian government and the Australian people for their huge contributions,” she said.
The announcement coincided with the visit of Australia’s Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Senator Hon Nita Green, to Honiara from November 26 to 28, during the global 16 Days of Activism campaign in the Solomon Islands.
Assistant Minister Green said PAVE will improve access to high-quality services and provide long-term support for the safety and wellbeing of survivors.
Australia’s Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Senator Nita Green, delivered a speech at the launch event.
Lorio Sisiolo from the Family Support Centre expressed deep gratitude for the new funding. “FSC today stands tall to say that we are so grateful for the support that the Australian Government will continue to provide. This allows us to reach all nine provinces with counselling and legal services, including Honiara,” she said.
Sisiolo added, “I want to thank the Australian Government for the trust and for the ongoing support to continue expanding FSC counselling, legal services, and advocacy throughout our beautiful country.”
Lorio Sisiolo from the Family Support Centre delivered a speech at the launch event.
The additional SBD 13 million will strengthen frontline services, increase outreach, and support local organisations that are driving change in the Solomon Islands. The funding ensures survivors of gender-based violence receive the help they need and reinforces the long-standing partnership between Australia and local organisations working to end violence against women and girls.
