BY CHRIS ALEX
THE Vice President of the National Council of Women, Kristina Sogavare, has underscored the importance of taking deliberate actions to uplift and empower women in the community.
Speaking at the International Women’s Day event held at the National Museum Auditorium, Sogavare emphasized that inclusion and encouragement are key to community growth.
Sogavare highlighted the need to ensure that women have a voice in their communities, particularly in leadership roles such as meetings and teaching positions. She also stressed the importance of inspiring young girls to explore non-traditional career paths and breaking societal barriers that limit their potential.
Addressing policymakers and legislators, Sogavare urged them to critically assess whether their policies are just and equitable for women in the Solomon Islands. She questioned whether initiatives like reserved parliamentary and provincial assembly seats for women are being actively supported to promote gender equality.
“If we fail to honour and value women, we are failing to respect the very beings that brought us into the world,” Sogavare stated. She also encouraged women and girls to reflect on their daily choices and ensure they are appreciating, respecting, and honouring themselves.
In a passionate address to the women of the Solomon Islands, she declared, “You are the heartbeat of this nation. You are our strength. You are our resilience. You are our strong community. Despite the challenges you face, you rise stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever. So today, we celebrate you.”
The National Council of Women (NCW), she affirmed, remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders and the government to build a society where women and girls are safe, valued, and empowered. She stressed that leadership and inclusion must go hand in hand, and empowering women to lead is crucial for achieving true equality.
“By empowering women to lead and ensuring every single voice is heard, we can create a future where equality is not just a dream but a reality.
On this International Women’s Day, let us stand together, united in our commitment to gender equality and empowerment for all women,” she said.
