By Loretta B Manele
Australia continues to be committed in efforts to help women thrive through a number of avenues.
Rod Hilton, Australian high commissioner highlighted this when speaking at the International Women’s Day celebrations on March 11 at the National Museum Auditorium.
Hilton said Australia is investing in economic growth that is inclusive and sustainable as well as education, health, infrastructure, jobs, skills and connectivity to accelerate progress for women and all Solomon Islanders.
He said they are also proud to be the largest contributor to gender equality programmes in Solomon Islands.
Hilton said Australia is proud that their support to the county continues to have a positive impact.
This positive impact is said to be in delivering greater gender awareness, improving women’s leadership and political participation, the establishment of a national system for responding to violence against women, increased women’s financial literacy and so much more.
Hilton stressed that achieving gender equality is everybody’s business thus men must also step up, speak out and become champions of change.
He also spoke about having more women in leadership roles.
Hilton said greater representation of women in political positions is critical and we need to remove barriers and support women to enter and succeed in all areas of life.
He added that when women are represented in leadership positions at all levels we are strengthened because women provide important perspectives and hold the potential to drive further economic growth to improve health, education and well-being of the whole family and country.
Hilton said Australia reaffirms its commitment to gender equality and advancing the human rights of women equally alongside those of men.
In relation, he stated that their vision is that through Australia’s support in the establishment of the Naha birthing centre, mothers and babies will receive state of the art health care and will be able to get there on smoother and faster roads.
Hilton said as they grow up, they will have equal access to better schools with improved curriculums, classrooms, teachers and facilities.
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
