BY IAN KAUKUI
SUPPORTING our local women in leadership and decision-making is a way forward as a nation to reduce poverty, promote economic growth and democracy, and increase the wellbeing of women, girls, and their families.
Greater gender equality, especially in leadership and decision-making, improves economic circumstances at the country, local, and household levels.
There is evidence that our local women are rising and becoming a strong role models in our rural community.
Solomon Women’s Newspaper reporter Ian Kakui interviews Varina Leke, and gets her views about her leadership role as a tribal chief and as the vice president of their Local Women Association.
Solomon Women Newspaper (SWN): Brief background about yourself and your career?
Varina Leke (VL): I am from Penunga ward 5 Central Ranoga, Western Province and I took the leadership role as a local chief for almost eight years working closely with other male chiefs and other association groups in the islands.
I‘m from a tribe where that upholds leadership responsibility in my community through the Patria lineal system we adopt. Also, I was elected as the Vice President of the Women Organization in the Kulunga community.
SWN: Why do you consider taking up such leadership responsibility?
VL: According to the resolutions of our association if another person or brother of the same tribe leaves the community and resides in another place, someone has to take up their place.
In my case, my two brothers have already left and resided in another province and so I have to take up their place.
It was based on gender equality that they voted me in as the vice president.
With a big heart for my people, I accepted the role and was willing to lead my community toward a better future.
SWN: What challenges do you encounter in your leadership role as chief and how do you go about solving them?
VL: As a woman leader, life is very challenging especially when dealing with a lot of issues, especially when looking at ways to solve Domestic violence in our homes and other unwanted social activities happening in our communities.
Other contributing factors are the financial difficulties especially in terms of transport from island to island carrying out the services and community work.
Another thing is culture, whereas, in most of our islands, the chief system is a male-dominated role.
However as women are getting out, they too have the right to decision making whether in rural communities, churches, and even the government which gives me hope and encouragement for that position.
I have a goal to achieve and I will fight by doing my best to overcome the struggles.
Because to have a better life for our future generation we have to struggle by dealing and solving the problems of today before there can be a better tomorrow.
It will not be an easy road for a women leader especially when you have to deal with family responsibilities and community issues.
But I will not give up or lose hope. I’ll continue to work closely with other male chiefs and community leaders to make our community a better place for our people.
SWN: What is the interesting thing regarding your role as a Tribal Chief?
VL: Despite the challenges faced, I see it as an exciting role for me because it is about focusing on the betterment of my people, my community, and even my country as a whole to live in peaceful and enjoyable life.
SWN: What leadership qualities do you believe our local women should consider as a leader?
VL: I believe a women leader should consider letting her community and her colleague leaders know more about her character.
Secondly, she must be an open and committed person who is keen to face whatever challenges she might encounter.
Also having confidence and gaining support from her family members, especially her husband and children is very important.
Finally having respect for those around her must be considered.
SWN: Can you highlight any worst attitude or character a woman should not encourage when taking up leadership?
VL: As women leaders, we should not decide on our own without consulting other chiefs especially when it comes to issues faced by other different tribes. Also, avoid too much pride and stubbornness.
SWN: Are there any common issues our local women face that could affect their work performance?
VL: I feel our cultural barrier is still the pressing obstacle that affects our performance at all levels.
SWN: Is it true to say our local women are rising and taking leadership roles? How do you feel about this?
VL: Yes. I’m so proud to see many women starting to believe in themselves and take up a leadership role in our society. At times taking leadership can be stressful.
SWN: What do you do for relaxation?
VL: Can’t deny the fact that at times I’m overloaded and I will quickly find myself a quiet time to think and look at other possibilities to handle issues that are before me.
SWN: How would you describe your experience working with fellow male chiefs in decision-making?
VL: It’s really hard to work with all-male chiefs, especially in decision-making but I always try to show my respect towards them during our gatherings.
I must try to be mindful with my approach and see them as highly respectful people in my community.
SWN: Any encouragement you wish to share with our women who have leadership qualities but fear to explore and take up the opportunity?
VL: There are potential women out there with leadership qualities and I want to encourage them to take up leadership once there is an opportunity.
We need more women to rise and be equal partners with our men to help our community in decision-making for the betterment of our people.
SWN: Is there other women taking up leadership post within your community?
VL: Yes, there’s another woman in my community taking the same responsibility as the tribal chief.
