BY JOY OFASIA
Newly appointed Women Ambassador Regina Lepping says her new role carries a significant responsibility to serve Solomon Islands with integrity while ensuring the voices and experiences of women are represented at the diplomatic level.
Speaking to the Solomon Women’s News Paper following her appointment as one of the political appointees under the Prime Minister’s Office, Lepping described the position as one of the biggest responsibilities she has undertaken in service to her country.
She said the appointment provides an opportunity to demonstrate that women can lead, represent and serve Solomon Islands at the highest levels.
“When women are given such opportunities, we have a responsibility to focus on the work, deliver results and make the opportunity count not only for ourselves, but for the women and girls who come after us,” she said.
Lepping brings experience from her work in media, youth engagement, women’s rights and community advocacy. She began as a media freelancer, working on anti-corruption initiatives, human rights advocacy and activism.
She later served with the Young Women’s Parliamentary Group, first as Secretary and then as Chairperson, participating in regional and international discussions on women’s rights and leadership.
Lepping said these experiences have strengthened her understanding of the challenges facing women and families and shaped her approach to the ambassadorial role.
“I see myself not simply as a representative, but as a messenger,” she said, adding that she wants to bring the experiences, concerns and aspirations of Solomon Islands women to decision-makers and help turn them into meaningful action.
To young women aspiring to become leaders or diplomats, Lepping urged them to prepare themselves, know their value and learn to work with everyone.
She said leadership should not be viewed as a competition between men and women, but as an opportunity for both to contribute their different experiences, skills and perspectives.
“Leadership is not about the position you hold. It is about what you do with the opportunity you are given,” she said.
As she takes her message to the international community, Lepping also wants Solomon Islands to be recognised for more than the challenges often highlighted in the news.
She described the country as a young and diverse nation with rich cultures, strong communities and significant potential among its young population.
She acknowledged challenges such as inequality, limited opportunities and the need to strengthen institutions and services, but said these should not define Solomon Islands.
Reflecting on her journey, Lepping said one of her biggest lessons is that leadership, particularly for women, is never easy.
She urged young women not to allow ego to guide them and encouraged them to bring their own experiences, compassion, strength and determination into leadership.
“We do not have to lead like men to prove that we can lead. Let us lead as women,” she said.
Lepping stressed that women’s rights are human rights and that addressing barriers facing women strengthens families, communities and the nation.
“Women’s issues are national issues,” she said, arguing that Solomon Islands cannot achieve meaningful progress by leaving half of its population behind.
She said women must be part of the country’s development journey, “not behind it, but alongside it,” helping to shape the nation’s future.
