BY JOY OFASIA
President of the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA), Julie Haro, has thanked partners and stakeholders for supporting the Inception Workshop on Intellectual Property (IP) for women entrepreneurs held in Honiara last week.
Speaking at the opening, Haro expressed gratitude to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), government representatives, development partners, and participants for making the event possible.
“On behalf of the board, staff and members of SIWIBA, we would like to thank all of you for making this a first-ever kind of event,” Haro said.
She said that while discussions around intellectual property have taken place in various sectors over the years, the workshop marks an important step in addressing the specific needs of women entrepreneurs and business owners.
Haro highlighted the critical role women play in the country’s economic development, describing the private sector as the engine of growth in any economy.
“Whether your business is small or large, you are contributing to the development of this country. We represent half of the population, and our voice matters,” she said.
The SIWIBA President also highlighted the importance of protecting locally developed products and innovations, stressing that intellectual property protection is an area that requires greater awareness and action.
“How much do we lose if we are not protecting the products that we create? This is very important, and we must work together as part of this journey,” she said.
Established in 2004, SIWIBA has been a leading advocate for women entrepreneurs across Solomon Islands. Haro acknowledged the contributions of founding members and paid tribute to those who have passed away, encouraging former members to reconnect.
She also called on current members to expand the network and encourage more women entrepreneurs to join, saying associations provide support and information.
“Rather than struggling on our own, we can find a way forward together. Come and be part of us as we continue this important conversation,” she said.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), working with the Registrar General’s Office of the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs and SIWIBA, successfully held the workshop for women entrepreneurs in Honiara.
This initiative is expected to help women entrepreneurs better understand how to protect their ideas, brands, and products, while also building stronger business networks across the country. Participants said the training gave them new knowledge that can help them grow their businesses, improve income, and support their families and communities in the future through innovation and creativity and sustainable economic development opportunities ahead for.
