By Joy Ofasia
Specific actions to address the social protection gaps faced by women in rural and remote communities are yet to be fully identified, according to Social Welfare Division Director Linda Tupe.
Speaking to Solomon Women’s Newspaper during the country’s first National Dialogue on Social Protection, held on 6 October at the Heritage Park Hotel, Tupe said concerns raised through nationwide consultations have now been presented to government line ministries. The next phase will focus on identifying practical measures to address the challenges experienced by communities, particularly women in rural areas.
“What people have told us, we’ve brought forward to all the government line ministries. These are the realities women and communities are experiencing in rural areas,” Tupe said.
She explained that the consultation findings provide the Government with a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by people across the country, including women living in rural and remote communities.
The national consultations, conducted between March and June 2026, involved a wide range of stakeholders, including women, youth, children, persons with disabilities, community members, and various organisations. While the consultations examined social protection issues affecting different groups, they also highlighted particular challenges faced by women in rural and remote areas.
Tupe noted that addressing these concerns will depend on the programmes and priorities of individual government ministries. She said specific interventions have not yet been determined, with the next phase of the process focusing on developing practical and achievable solutions.
“During the next phase, we will identify practical actions to address the gaps affecting women in rural communities,” she said.
The discussions form part of efforts to develop the Solomon Islands National Social Protection Policy, which will be informed by findings from the national consultations.
For women in rural and remote communities, attention is now shifting from identifying challenges to developing accessible services and support systems that can effectively respond to their needs.
Tupe said the Government aims to have the Solomon Islands National Social Protection Policy in place, endorsed, and approved by the end of 2027.
“I think by the end of 2027 we should have the Solomon Islands National Social Protection Policy in place and formally endorsed and approved. That is our target,” she said.
The National Dialogue on Social Protection was convened by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, through the Social Welfare Division, and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, with support from UNICEF through the UNICEF-KOICA Climate Smart Social Services Programme.
The next stage of the process will focus on identifying practical measures that can respond to the concerns raised during the consultations and ensure that social protection services reach the individuals and communities who need them most.
