THE Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all women and girls.
“We are determined to provide the support and resources needed to prevent and address gender-based violence,” Prime Minister the Honourable Jeremiah Manele, MP, stated at the launch of the 16 Days of Activism yesterday, November 25, at the SMI compound.
Prime Minister Manele added that the government has taken steps, including the introduction of protective legislation such as the Family Protection Act 2014 and the Child and Family Welfare Act 2017, and efforts have been made to strengthen law enforcement and judicial processes to protect victims and survivors.
He also added that the government has established the SAFENET referral network (comprising 12 members from government ministries, NGOs, and faith-based organizations) to enhance law enforcement and protection, as well as to provide accommodation for victims and survivors of violence.
The Prime Minister further added that GNUT has policies such as the Gender Equality and Women’s Development Policy 2021–2027 and the National Policy on Ending Violence Against Women 2021–2027.
Prime Minister Manele, however, highlighted that the legislation and policies are not enough to end violence against women and girls.
“As a Christian Nation, we need to change our attitudes and behaviours across all of our societies, with in our homes, in our workplaces, and with all the families of Solomon Islands,” he emphasized.
The Prime Minister calls on everyone, especially men and boys, to embrace the values of respect, equality, and nonviolence.
In his call to action, Prime Minister Manele urged everyone to reflect on what they can do to contribute to ending violence. He added that the message is for everyone—whether you are a community leader, a parent, a teacher, or a student—you have a role to play.
He called on everyone to actively participate in this year’s 16 Days of Activism.
“Let us take the messages we are sharing today and spread them throughout our communities, workplaces, schools, churches, neighbourhoods and homes, let us be agents of change,” the Prime Minister highlighted.
The 16 Days of Activism involves different activities each day from November 25 to December 10.
The 16 Days of Activism is celebrated with a morning procession from the centre of Honiara City to the SMI compound. All stakeholders took part in the march, wearing orange. The United Nations chose the colour orange to symbolize a brighter future free from violence.
