BY JOY OFASIA
A stronger partnership between women in the health sector and the National Council of Women could be the key to improving health outcomes for women across the Solomon Islands.
She called for unity and shared purpose, Ms. Sogavare said: “Partnership is not just an opportunity—it’s a responsibility. Let’s move forward driven by purpose and collaboration, ensuring that no challenge is too great when we work side by side.”
This was the message from National Council of Women (NCW) Vice President Kristina Sogavare during an awareness meeting held at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) conference room on Tuesday, June 17. The meeting brought together healthcare professionals, women’s advocates, and representatives from Vois Blong Mere Solomon (VBMS) to explore ways to collaborate more effectively.
“There are existing spaces that we need to utilize for people to hear us,” Ms. Sogavare told attendees. “The NCW and Vois Blong Mere are already recognized under the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs. These are platforms we can use to amplify our voices.”
The NCW, she explained, serves as an umbrella body that champions gender equality and women’s empowerment, particularly through advocacy, policy work, and partnerships.
“We are like a bridge for all women’s organizations in the country,” she said. “Our role is to carry women’s concerns straight to the decision-makers, especially on issues like reproductive health rights, gender-based violence, and women’s leadership.”
Ms. Sogavare stressed the potential for collaboration between NCW and health institutions like the NRH, especially in areas such as maternal health, mental health, and access to services.
“There are valuable areas where the hospital can work with us. If we work in these spaces, we’ll be able to drive meaningful change and live up to the commitments this nation has made,” she said.
She also pointed out that strengthening the partnership between NCW and the Nurses Association could help close critical gaps in service delivery and advocacy.
“We all need each other to amplify the drive for change,” she said. “It is time for collaboration to bring those changes forward.”
