By JOY OFASIA
Three local journalists from the Solomon Islands Women in Nius Network (SIWINN) have returned home inspired and empowered after attending the inaugural Women in Media Conference 2025 held in Suva, Fiji.
Held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva from 17–18 June 2025, the landmark event brought together women journalists from across the Pacific, including Samoa, Tonga, Niue, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Fiji. The regional event marks a major milestone in the efforts to strengthen equity, safety, and leadership opportunities for women journalists in Fiji and across the Pacific.
The Women in Media Fiji (WiM Fiji) and the Fijian Media Association (FMA) successfully hosted the first-ever Women in Media Fiji Conference with its theme, “Resilience in a Rapidly Evolving Media Landscape,” setting the tone for a powerful two days of dialogue, networking, and learning.
For these three journalists, it was more than just a professional gathering—it was a reminder that their voices are powerful, their stories are essential, and they are not alone.
Lisa Osifelo, a journalist from Tavuli News, described the conference as “a landmark achievement” and praised Women in Media Fiji for their leadership in hosting the event.
“It was a valuable experience,” Lisa told SOLOMON WOMEN. “I learned so much from other women media practitioners across the Pacific—about their struggles, their strength, and how they continue to empower each other. We created alliances and strengthened collaborations that will go a long way.”
Lisa said one of her key takeaways was realizing the importance of her role as a female journalist.
“Sometimes we get so caught up in the daily routine that we forget how important our work is. This conference reminded me to take pride in my job and support other upcoming women in media. Our voices matter. Our stories matter.”
Sharon Nanau from the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) echoed similar sentiments, saying the conference gave her a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
“One of the most comforting things was learning that the challenges we face in the Solomon Islands are shared by women journalists across the region,” Sharon said. “Knowing that I am not alone in this journey is uplifting.”
She stressed that the conference was especially timely, given how quickly the media landscape is shifting with the rise of artificial intelligence and social media.
“Our role as women journalists is more critical now than ever. With so much misinformation online, the public relies on us for factual, timely, and unbiased information. The internet is changing everything—but we must evolve with it and uphold the integrity of our profession,” Sharon said.
For Indy Mae’alasia from the Island Sun, the conference was a confidence booster. She took part in a panel discussion on the role of journalists in amplifying women’s issues—an experience she described as transformative.
“It was such a privilege to speak on a regional stage. I gained confidence and learned how important it is to report effectively on women’s issues,” Indy said. “The conference also gave me space to build networks with other Pacific women in media.”
She added, “I want to thank my two SIWINN colleagues who stood beside me during the panel. Their presence gave me strength. Representing the Solomon Islands in such a space was an honor.”
Solomon Islands Women in Nius Network (SIWINN) is a non-profit organization that empowers and supports women in news to collaborate, share information, and advocate for a safe space for news dissemination in the country.
