By Loretta B Manele

Today, very few Solomon Islands women fill in jobs in the country’s infrastructure industry and normalising women in this industry should be the goal.

Namoi Kaluae, SICCI (Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry) chairlady spoke about this at the “Women in Infrastructure” breakfast forum last Friday at the Heritage Park Hotel.

She expressed that it is crucial for us to continue to advocate for policies that support women, promote training programmes and create inclusive workplaces.

Kaluae added that empowerment must come from all levels and everyone has a role to play.

“Speaking of empowerment, we also explored whether things are getting easier for women in infrastructure.

Are we at a point where we can normalise women in this field or do we still need to advocate and lobby for more representation?”

Kaluae said she believes that normalisation should indeed be our goal.

She stated that it should be a norm for us to have women working in the infrastructure sector and not just an exemption.

Addressing young women from the infrastructure sector at the forum, Kaluae said their commitment and voice to empower women in the sector is invaluable.

“Let us keep the momentum we’ve built today and carry it forward, advocating for each other, celebrating and most importantly, championing each other’s successes and ensuring that we create a brighter future for generations to come.”

Kaluae noted that they are part of a movement, a collective effort to uplift women in infrastructure and this should now be a legacy.

“There is no limit to what women can do.”

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BY NED GAGAHE

A new initiative under the Gender Action Plan (GAP) at the Tina River Hydropower Project Office is empowering local women by partnering with the Bahomea women’s group to supply fresh vegetables and fruits to Hyundai Engineering Company’s (HEC) kitchen at the project’s campsite.

This inaugural collaboration marks a significant step towards promoting women’s economic development in the region.

The Tina River Hydropower Project Office has announced that, in the future, the Malatoha and Belaha women’s groups will also be included in this initiative.

A statement from the Tina River Hydropower Project Office stated, “This initiative is not just about providing fresh produce – it’s about empowering women and recognizing their important role in our communities and the economy.

“By involving women in this process, we’re boosting local businesses and creating sustainable livelihoods for families.” The statement said.

The GAP initiative continues to focus on creating more opportunities for women, ensuring they are at the forefront of growth, progress, and sustainability in the community.

The Tina River Hydropower Project Office remains committed to fostering women’s involvement in local economic development and supporting gender equality.

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By Loretta B Manele

Learning from challenges can drive us women to move from one point to one that works for us.

Kristina Sogavare, vice president of the National Council of Women (NCW) expressed the sentiment on International Women’s Day at the National Museum Auditorium last week.

She said women must acknowledge challenges they face in the past because these challenges are the stepping stones that get us to where we are today.

“I am here because I’ve learnt from those challenges.”

She stressed that our challenges point us to move on to a different avenue because the first one didn’t work out.

Sogavare went on to talk about the challenges that are still present today for women.

She said challenges like gender bias, unequal opportunities and underrepresentation are still here.

Sogavare stated that these are significant obstacles that women face and the reason why women strive every day for a better Solomon Islands for their children.

She emphasised that we must address this gap if not we will still be talking about in 2026.

Sogavare also spoke about the day’s theme which was “Leadership and Inclusion”.

She said the leadership and inclusion are very important pillars of the community.

On that note, Sogavare stated that women regardless of cultural background or denomination, all have the aspiration to change and potential to lead.

“Today, we come to celebrate the achievements of women leaders who have broken the glass ceilings and shattered stereotypes. You have come a long way with your stories of resilience.

That is why a young woman leader like me can be able to stand today and address you because you have provided that avenue for me.

Thank you for that respect you are giving to young leaders like me and for paving that way and for including women leaders like me to stand and address you on this momentous occasion.”

Sogavare expressed that all women in Solomon Islands are beacons of hope for each other and for the future generation.

She also encouraged women to make changes and that doesn’t mean having to go to parliament.

“You can make a change in your homes; you don’t need to go to parliament. That change can made in your homes, work spaces, church and communities.

That space is a God given space for you.”

Sogavare also highlighted that inclusive leadership is not just a role but a necessity.

She emphasized that when women are included in the decision-making process, they are bringing together a diverse perspective and will be able to include women in every single environment regardless of what community, denomination or organization they come from.

Sogavare said we should think and renew commitment so that we can create a more inclusive and equitable community.

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By Loretta B Manele

There are five traits that women can embrace to help them manage themselves whether at work, at home or in anything they do.

Cathy Nori, member of parliament for Maringe-Kokota constituency and deputy speaker to Parliament dwelled on this when speaking at the “Women in Infrastructure” Breakfast Forum last week at the Heritage Park Hotel.

She said through her own experience working in the infrastructure industry, five traits come to mind and are traits that will go a long way in enhancing and improving how women operate with men in the infrastructure industry.

Nori mentioned that as women are good in administering and managing their families and they are most likely successful in administering and managing projects, institutions, businesses and workplaces too.

She said that the five traits are; attitude to work, education and training, perseverance, leadership and humility.

Nori expressed that on “attitude to work”, it is said that the secret to success is in the attitude we bring to our workplaces.

She said women have consistently proven this time and time again, whether you’re as an engineer or a mechanic, an entrepreneur, a teacher, a scientist, a nurse, or a mother at home or a student.

Nori stated that the way women approach each challenge and opportunity is what sets them apart.

“Women have shown the world that dedication, passion and determination are not just words, they are actions.

No matter what field you enter, your attitude to work will elevate you, inspire those around you and make a difference in your community.”

Nori went on to talk about “education and training”, of which she said is the foundation upon which we build our dreams and is a powerful force for transformation.

She said it is not just about gaining knowledge, but about opening doors to possibilities, breaking barriers and challenging the status quo.

Nori added that the more women are educated, the more empowered they become.

She said education provides women with the tools to create change, to advocate for their rights and to lead with vision and confidence.

“Let us renew our commitment to ensuring that every girl, every child has the opportunity to learn, to grow and to become the woman she aspires to be one day.”

She then stressed on “perseverance”, and what it means to have perseverance.

“Perseverance is the fuel that drives us when the path becomes difficult.”

Nori said when the odds seem insurmountable, the women we celebrate today, whether in history or in our lives right now, have all shown unwavering commitment to pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.

She emphasized that these women have fought against stereotypes, limitations and systems and still they rose.

“The perseverance didn’t just get them to their goals, it inspired generations to come.

So, to every woman facing a challenge today, know that your perseverance will carry you further than you ever imagined.”

Speaking on “leadership”, Nori said leadership is not defined by titles or positions but about inspiring others, making tough decisions and guiding with integrity.

She stated that the world needs more women in leadership roles in infrastructure and other technical male-dominated spaces.

Nori added that women have shown that true leadership isn’t about power but service.

“We call on every woman to step into leadership in their communities, in their business, and in whatever you are doing. Not just for your own future, but for the future of every woman who will come after us.”

Nori finally stressed on “humility” to which she said true strength is never about ego.

She said humility is rather about recognizing our collective humanity.

In this regard, Nori stated that women who lead with humility inspire trust, create unity and foster growth.

She mentioned that humility allows us to learn from others, to acknowledge our shortcomings and to always strive for improvement.

Nori said humility reminds us that no matter how high we rise, we are a part of a greater whole.

She further noted that the most powerful leaders are often the ones who are most humble, who lift others up as they rise and share their success with those who’ve helped them along the way.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Trevor Hedley Mahaga has emphasised the crucial role that the partnership between Australia and the Solomon Islands plays in enhancing disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

Speaking at the launch of the twinning partnership between the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services (SIMS) and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) yesterday, Mr Mahaga highlighted the potential impact of the collaboration in saving lives, minimizing economic losses, and fostering resilience within local communities.

“I am confident that the outcomes of our joint efforts will extend beyond our shores, setting a precedent for future collaborations in the Pacific region and beyond through the various programs that are supported by the Australian Government, such as the Climate and Ocean Support Program for the Pacific (COSPPac) and the Weather Ready Pacific,” Mahaga said.

The partnership is expected to strengthen the country’s ability to predict, respond to, and mitigate the impacts of severe weather events, particularly tropical cyclones, which often devastate communities in the region. By enhancing meteorological capabilities and early warning systems, the two nations aim to build long-term resilience and improve disaster risk reduction strategies.

Mahaga also expressed his gratitude to the Australian partners and attendees for their support in making the twinning partnership a reality.

“I would like to reiterate my heartfelt gratitude to our Australian partners, attendees, and everyone involved in making this twinning partnership a reality,” he said.

The Minister acknowledged the dedicated work of his team at SIMS, particularly the Director of Meteorology, David Hiriasia, for their leadership in moving this initiative forward.

“Together, we are not only building a more resilient future for the Solomon Islands but are also contributing to the global cause of sustainability and environmental stewardship,” Mahaga concluded.

The partnership is a significant step in bolstering the Solomon Islands’ capacity to address climate-related challenges and set a strong foundation for future regional collaborations in disaster management.

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BY NED GAGAHE

Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) says the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill 2024 needs to be reviewed to ensure safeguards are in place to prevent Solomon Islands from becoming a haven for money laundering and illicit financial flows.

Appearing before the Bills and Legislation Committee, Governor Dr Luke Forau expressed concerns regarding the potential risks of money laundering in the Bill’s present form during the Committee hearing last week.

Mr Forau while acknowledging the bill’s noble intention to support the country’s development, warned that Solomon Islands is not isolated and must be cautious about the risks involved in global trade.

Forau emphasised that while the bill aims to foster economic growth, it could inadvertently open doors for money launderers, especially those from advanced economies.

“Money launderers are everywhere, and they have vast amounts of money—drug dealers, for instance, possess millions, even billions of dollars.

“They can use this window to come and clean their money under the guise of legitimate businesses,” he said.

The Governor also raised concerns about the provisions in the bill, particularly regarding the repatriation of funds.

He suggested that such flexibility could make the country more vulnerable to illicit financial activities, particularly money laundering and potential terrorist financing.

“If the SEZ continues with separate regulations, it may pave the way for money launderers, as it would allow them to repatriate proceeds without scrutiny,” Forau warned.

He further pointed out that with the country’s relatively underdeveloped status, it is crucial to ensure that the regulations do not inadvertently attract harmful activities.

Forau concluded that there is a need for a review of the bill to ensure safeguards are in place, to prevent the Solomon Islands from becoming a haven for money laundering and illicit financial flows.

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