ON 2018 International Women’s Day Celebration in Honiara, Minister of Women, Youth, and Children’s Affairs (MWYCA), Honourable Freda Tuki Soriocomua says progressing on gender equality and women empowerment is a way forward for Solomon Islands.
“The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is clearly emphasises the press for progress forging onwards, making use of available resources and the many opportunities in front of us, promoting gender equality and women empowerment.
“It is important for the country to implement gender equality and development and improving the lives of women, girls and families in communities, work places and networks.
This year’s theme ‘Press For Progress’ is a call to action to press forward and progress women’s equality in the face of those that resist it.
Hon Tuki added that the theme encourages women to press on with whatever they are currently doing in terms of job and education in order to have equality in development with men.
“It signifies a motivational movement of gender advocates and gender sensitised institutions and organisations that have paved a way for women to excel and grow in enterprise, in career and in leadership.
“We have witnessed a great progress in women advancing-what only could be dreamt of-in previous generations for example – from the formal to the informal sector, women have succeeded in their own areas of profession and aspirations.
“The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has done a great work in fostering a strong partnership with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) to promote women empowerment and gender equality in the workforce in Solomon Islands.
“Therefore, am pleased to see improved outcomes for women in their private sector becoming more skilled and engaged for efficiency in their work places,” she told participants at the International Women’s Day Celebration at the National Museum.
International Women’s Day 2018 reinforces the unprecedented global movement for women’s rights, equality and justice in Solomon Islands and other international countries.
She said progressing on gender equality and women empowerment is a major challenge not only unique to Solomon Islands but it’s also a global and regional challenge.
“One area that is particularly challenging is women’s leadership-especially at the political level.
“I am the only woman MP in the current government-only one more than the previous government. I hope more women stand in the next election.
“The gender equality work cannot sit in my portfolio alone. My portfolio needs the support of the Ministries, of all private companies, commercial organisations, from development partners and civil societies,” Hon Tuki said.
She said her ministry is very proud to be able to work alongside partners to contribute advancing women’s empowerment and women’s development.
“I thanked the Government of Australia for support towards many programmes for women, children and families and for the Government’s in Solomon Islands to improve the lives of women, girls and families in the country.
“Finally I want to congratulate men and women, girls and boys who have supported one way or the another quest for gender equality.”
