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MPG and Safenet partners launch 16-Days activism campaign

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Malaita Provincial Government, through its Women Development Desk and safenet partners, launched the 16-Days Activism Campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Auki yesterday.

The 16-Days Activism is a global campaign on GBV observed annually from November 25th to December 10th. In Malaita, safenet partners will visit identified communities with advocacy programs related to the campaign.

The campaign was launched under the theme “United to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” which encourages collective efforts in the fight against GBV.

Malaita’s Deputy Provincial Secretary, Mr. Peter Herehura, stated that the province has the highest recorded cases of GBV in the country. He stressed the need for united efforts by all stakeholders to tackle GBV in Malaita. As part of these efforts, the 16-Days Activism Campaign aims to:

The campaign aims to strengthen commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls and accelerate progress toward ending such violence. It also addresses the urgent need for increased investment in policies, strategies, and resources to prevent and respond to violence. Emphasizing the importance of investing in autonomous, feminist women’s rights movements, the campaign calls for action at all levels to prevent violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and invest in solutions. It seeks to challenge cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities, encourage rejecting and reporting abusers, and promote signing the pledge against GBV. Additionally, it focuses on protecting children from exposure to violence and harmful content on the internet and social media, developing policies to prevent and address GBV, and organizing targeted community outreach and dialogue.

Herehura emphasized that calls for action like the 16-Days Activism are crucial as they shine a spotlight on violence against women. He added that such campaigns create public awareness about what needs to change to prevent these issues at local, national, regional, and international levels.

The Malaita Province Women’s Development Desk will coordinate the campaign in partnership with safenet partners, including World Vision, SIPPA, Authorize Justice, RSIPF, Malaita Christian Care Centre, Health, and others.

During the 16-Days Activism, the safenet partners will conduct GBV advocacy and awareness campaigns in the identified communities in and around Auki, including Lilisiana, Tautaumalefo, Kunu, Kokomu, Sikitae, and Kwainaketo.

EU is here to join forces to combat gender-based violence

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By Loretta B Manele

Let me reassure that the European Union is here in the pacific as a partner to join forces with you to combat gender-based violence.

Barbara Plinkert, European Union’s (EU) regional ambassador to the pacific made the statement at the Inauguration of the Pacific Partnership Phase 2 and Launch of Project Golkipa at Mendana Hotel yesterday.

In initial remarks, she thanked UN (United Nations) Women for organizing the event.

“It’s very fitting to launch the new phase of this important program today as it falls in the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence which is an initiative that the European Union proudly supports all over the world”

Plinkert said the 16 days activism is an opportunity to highlight and recall that we still have a long way to go to break the silence and end the violence.

She stated that in the pacific it is a reality that two out of three women become victims of violence in their lives and gender-based violence is also prevalent in Europe.

Plinkert noted that while EU member states have progressed in combating gender-based violence, there are still significant gaps and challenges.

In this regard, she said many EU countries, particularly in rural areas or economically disadvantaged regions have limited access to support services such as shelters, counselling and emergency assistance.

Plinkert added that they also face like anywhere else in the world, the issue of online harassment and cyber violence which necessitates them to adapt legislation to address digital violence effectively.

On the other hand, amidst these obstacles and challenges, a range of strategies and initiatives have already been successfully implemented in European countries such as in Sweden, France, Germany and Spain.

She expressed that France has launched a system where victims can discreetly report abuse, Germany has been a leader in providing support to others through an extensive network of shelters and counselling centres and Spain has made notable strides.

“Spain has made notable strides in combating gender-based violence with legislation that includes specialized courts for gender-based violence cases, protection orders for victims and a mightier agency approach involving social services, police and healthcare providers”

Plinkert mentioned that the last example of Spain is similar to the great work undertaken by Solomon Islands with the launch of SAFENET, a network of government and non-government organizations to strengthen the referral and coordination of gender-based violence services in the country.

She emphasized that EU is here in the pacific as partner to help tackle gender-based violence.

“Let me reassure you that the European Union is here in the pacific as a partner to join forces with you to combat gender-based violence”

Plinkert voiced that they are proud to provide financial support through the pacific partnership to end violence against women and girls and to share their own experiences and learn from the experiences of pacific island countries.

She furthered that the new Golkipa project will bring together people from different sectors to work towards a collective goal, which is to support more girls and women to be able to safely access sports.

Plinkert said the list of initiatives and actions to address gender-based violence is long and will continue to grow, however they are proud to support this through the pacific partnership.

“I want to congratulate all of you who have worked hard to ensure the success of the program by engaging and working governments, civil society and victims and activists.

A particular word of thanks to UN Women for all their efforts in implementing this significant program in Solomon Islands and several other countries across the pacific.

I would also like to thank the government of Solomon Islands in its commitment and forward-looking approach.

Last but not least, let me also mention the partnership between the EU and government of Australia in joining forces to fund the pacific partnership”

Plinkert emphasized that every action counts and she encourages everyone to continue the good work on Pacific Partnership Phase 2.

“We are proud that jointly, we are advancing to make the world a safer and more equal place for women and girls”

It’s about time we change our attitude and behaviour

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By Loretta B Manele

It is about time that we change the paradigm of our way of thinking, our culture, our customs, tradition, our masculinity and attitudes.

Cedric Alependava, Permanent secretary for the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) made the statement whilst speaking at the Inauguration of the Pacific Partnership Phase 2 and launch of Project Golkipa at the Mendana Hotel yesterday.

The Pacific Partnership Phase 2 to End Violence Against Women and Girls is a regional and multi-country programme focused on promoting gender equality and preventing violence against women and girls in pacific island countries and territories.

He voiced that by changing how we think, our culture, our customs or traditions, our masculinity and attitudes we can change our attitudes and behaviour towards our women and girls and end violence against our women and girls in the country.

Alependava stressed that we need to reduce and put an end to violence against women and girls because it is really affecting the fabric of our family, communities and the lives, education and security of our children and youth.

“But more so, it is really affecting our women and girls”

Alependava said you don’t know the amount of stress our women and girls are bearing.

“I can tell you, too much stress can reduce your immunity system and as such, making you more susceptible to illness, sickness, diseases and even death”

He also shared bible verses of how God made woman from man and pointed out that as woman was made from man and in the image of God, men should see women as God’s image.

“Most of the time, we do shy out to make mention of the Bible verses which are fundamental.

Genesis 1, 26-27.  I’m paraphrasing. God said, and let us make men in our own image after our own likeness and let them have dominion over the creatures of the earth.

Chapter 2, the process of making Eve, Chapter 2, verse 21, 22, 23. He caused a deep sleep upon Adam and took one of his ribs and formed a woman out of the ground and placed the ribs into her and breathed into the nose for the breath of life”

Alependava stressed that if only men and boys could see women as God’s image, we won’t have much prevalence of violence against women and girls.

The permanent secretary also took the opportunity to thank Australia and the European Union (EU) for funding the project.

“I wish to thank Australian Government and European Union. Profound thanks for funding”

Education key to North Guadalcanal’s growth

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal and Health Minister, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, has emphasized that education is a key driver of development for his constituency.

Bosawai made this statement during the Japanese Ambassador, Miwa Yoshiaki’s site visit to Gaobata School, which is in dire need of better school infrastructure.

He pointed out that despite his constituency hosting some of the country’s major economic development, most of his people are not actively engaged in the process but rather, remain spectators.

Bosawai attributed this to the lack of adequate school infrastructure and limited access to better educational opportunities.

Upon taking office, the minister said he made education his top priority. In line with this commitment, he, alongside the school administration, submitted a proposal to the Japanese Embassy in the Solomon Islands seeking support for Gaobata School.

As the oldest known primary school in his constituency, which still uses many facilities of the past, he emphasized that the proposed assistance from the Japanese government would help keep the school’s history alive.

“This would be a treasured gift, connected to the history of our people,” Bosawai said.

He further stressed that investing in education is essential, as the students of today could become the future leaders of the country.

Acknowledging the diverse population in his constituency, which includes people from various provinces beyond Guadalcanal, Bosawai reminded Ambassador Miwa that this initiative is for the betterment of all Solomon Islanders.

MCCC calls for collaborative efforts to tackle GBV

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Malaita Christian Care Center (MCCC) has reported shocking cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly domestic violence and sexual abuse, being received at the center in Auki. Almost every week, the center receives cases, indicating that domestic violence is prevalent in the province and necessitates concrete steps to address the issue.

Speaking at the launch of the 16-days-activism campaign in Auki yesterday, a former PPC of Malaita and a member of MCCC, Mr. Solomon Sisimia, shared some insights into the cases cared for at the center. He mentioned that just recently, a 10-year-old girl who was raped was brought to the center. There were other similar cases, and the striking thing is that the situation is escalating.

“We receive victims of domestic and sexual violence almost every week. The shocking thing is that some of these victims were sexually abused by their own parents or close relatives,” Sisimia stated. “This is beyond what a decent human being can comprehend, and it shows that nowhere is safe for women and girls in our society.”

“It is a sad situation, and it needs to stop. In order to stop it, everyone must work together to fight against it,” he demanded.

Based on MCCC’s findings, these acts of violence have been occurring in homes and communities in the province, with many cases going unreported. Sisimia stressed that these are crimes, and people must not wait until the situation becomes more serious before reporting them. “Report any act of violence to the police,” he urged.

He also noted that almost all of the victims (cases) received at MCCC were women and girls, clearly showing that men are the perpetrators of these acts of violence.

Sisimia strongly emphasized the need for collective effort to address the issue, while urging everyone to recognize and respect the rights of women and girls. He said that although MCCC was established to provide care for victims of GBV, it should not be seen as the only place for such victims. “In order to make a real impact, everyone must take up the fight against GBV,” he added.

Sisimia acknowledged the other safenet partners in Auki for working together to ensure that victims of GBV receive support and that their rights are protected.

1038 Scholarships available for next year

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands Government has confirmed that 1,038 scholarships will be available for the 2024-2025 academic year, marking an increase of just 38 scholarships compared to last year.

Constance Nasi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA), made the revelation during the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing on Monday.

Mrs. Nasi also confirmed that the number of scholarships allocated to each constituency would remain the same at four scholarships per constituency.

The assessment of scholarship applications, which closed on October 15 this year, is progressing smoothly.

John Iromea, Director at SITESA, revealed that by the end of December 2024, the SITESA aims to have a tentative list of selected candidates.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale raised concerns during the hearing, questioning the delay in finalizing the scholarship results.

Mr. Iromea explained that the delay was due to the administrative process.

“As you might be aware, it’s a tiring and challenging role, and we’ve faced some circumstances that were beyond our control.

“However, we are working within our timeline, and by the end of next month, we should have a tentative list of selected candidates,” he said.

GOVT OWES SINU $21M

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PAC reveals Govt’s $21 Million debt to SINU in tuition fees

BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands Government still owes the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) approximately 21 million dollars in unpaid tuition fees, with concerns that these arrears could resurface in the 2025 national budget.

This revelation came during the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing this week, where Dr. Franko Rodie, the Permanent Secretary and the team from Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) appeared before the committee.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale questioned PS Rodie on whether the government is in a position to settle the arrears this year. “So, you’re confident that the government will settle their obligation this year? Are we not going to inherit the legacy for next year’s budget?” Wale asked.

The Chairman of the PAC, Gordon Darcy Lilo, also expressed concern that, with the government’s requisition calendar closing in December, the outstanding debt may appear again in the 2025 budget. Lilo, who is also the Member of Parliament for Central Honiara, emphasized the urgency of the situation.

In response, Dr. Rodie clarified that the arrears were for second-semester tuition fees.

He explained that the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) had shown some leniency regarding the payment.

“From the invoice, I estimate the total amount to be around 21 million dollars. This is the amount SINU has been waiting for, and we hope the outstanding balance will be settled,” PS Rodie stated.

Dr. Rodie further revealed that a delegation from the Vice-Chancellor’s office at SINU recently met with the Prime Minister to discuss how to address the arrears.

However, he added that he was not involved in those discussions and was unaware of the outcome.

“There was a delegation from the VC’s office that met with the Prime Minister, and I believe they reached some agreement on how the arrears will be resolved. Unfortunately, I was not included in that meeting and was sidelined,” Dr. Rodie remarked.

Modest growth for Solomon Islands

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Solomon Islands is expecting a modest economic growth rate of 2.5% in 2024, followed by 2.8% in 2025.

Masafumi Yabara IMF de mission chief for the Solomon Islands said that the drivers are the fishing, mining, manufacturing, and construction sectors.

In terms of inflation, Mr Yabara told local media during a press conference that inflation will remain stable.

“We expect 3.4% inflation in 2024 and 3.9% in 2025. On the fiscal, the fiscal deficit is projected at 3.1% of GDP in 2024 and 3.3% in 2025,’’ he said.

He said that this reflects the continued spending pressure, including on payroll and investments to advance the government’s priorities as well as the externally financed infrastructure projects.

“We also note that the government’s cash buffers have been significantly depleted. And it poses a liquidity risk to the government. On the external front, we expect that the current deficit will be smaller in 2024, but widen to 7.7% of GDP in the next year. As economic activity gains momentum,’’ said Yabara.

He said that over the medium term, Solomon Islands expect around 3% of growth annually.

“This is moderate, given the rapid population growth in the Solomon Islands and the growth outlook has been constrained by declining local activity,’’ he said.

He said that the urgent priority now is to diversify the economy through addressing some government’s weaknesses in the economy so both fiscal and current deficit would persist in the medium term.

“On the risks, we expect that the economy remains subject to downside risks. In particular, we see that in the past few years, the budget was not fully implemented, as the government faced some shortages in money. So, they had to cut some spending. So, we expect that the same thing could happen again next year,’’ he said.

Mr Yabara said this could adversely affect the country’s economy.

“Of course, the Solomon Islands remains subject to, remains vulnerable to climate change, and natural disasters. And also, the commodity price volatility in the global market including driven by the possible intensification of regional conflicts in the world,’’ said Yabara.

PUBLIC SPENDING GAPS

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Transparency and accountability lacking in public spending: IMF findings

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands continues to face some weaknesses in transparency and accountability of public spending.

This was according to the recent key findings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission to the Solomon Islands.

“This underscores the critical importance of implementing the new CDF framework and also applying the lessons learned, identify the report, to future policies,’’ Masafumi Yabara told local media during a press conference.

He said the IFM also see some of the lack or the shortage of capacity and resources in government officials involved in audit and procurement.

“More training is needed, and also there is a need for a strengthening legal framework for auditing,’’ he said.

On the monetary side, Mr Yabara said that the IFM supported the decision by the central bank to ease monetary policy on September 24.

“We argue that monetary policy should remain data-dependent, which means that the central bank continues to monitor economic developments and stand ready to adjust its policy stance as necessary,’’ he said.

He said that the IFM also noted that the Solomon Islands has a fixed exchange rate regime, and the value of the Solomon Island dollar is fastened to the value of the currency basket.

“We note the recent update of the currency basket to ensure that the basket reflects the latest trade structure of Solomon Islands. It’s a good development. The financial sector remains stable, but we also note that bank lending has not kept pace with the economic trends,’’ said Yabara.

He said that the IFM also see that promoting financial inclusion, especially in rural areas and among women, remains a top priority.

“We see that strengthening capacity for anti-money laundering and combating the terrorism of financing, we call the AMS-CFT, is also a challenge and remains a priority. On the structural reforms, as I said in the beginning, enhancing growth potential is an urgent priority.

“One thing that we recommend is upgrading transport connectivity in rural areas. It could enhance the efficiency or productivity of the agriculture and fishery sectors,’’ he said.

Mr Yabara said that the IFM also see that legislation to address governance weaknesses in the minerals and forestry sectors is an urgent priority.

“We also see some lack or a shortage of capacity and resources of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, so we recommend it needs to be addressed,’’ said Yabara.

SIG scholarship announcement expected end of December

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) scholarships are anticipated to be announced by the end of December 2024, according to updates from the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA) and the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD).

This information was shared during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting held yesterday, which included members Mathew Wale, Gordon Darcy Lilo, Cathy Launa Nori, and John Dean Kuku.

PAC members expressed concerns over the recurring delays in scholarship announcements, highlighting the negative impact on students’ ability to prepare for the upcoming academic year.

Mathew Wale questioned the reasons behind the delays and sought clarity on measures to address the issue.

Officials from SITESA and MEHRD acknowledged that delays often stem from complex administrative processes involving multiple departments, particularly during the vetting and approval stages.

They assured the PAC that efforts are underway to streamline these processes and that the proposed December timeline will provide students ample time to prepare for their studies in 2025.

Gordon Darcy Lilo voiced the committee’s frustration over the persistent delays and suggested bolstering the administrative workforce to alleviate bottlenecks. He called for an efficient system that aligns scholarship announcements with the academic calendar.

Cathy Launa Nori raised questions about the two percent reduction in available scholarships this year. Officials attributed the decrease to rising population growth and increased demand for financial support. They emphasized that scholarships are being prioritized to address critical workforce needs in line with national development goals.

The PAC urged SITESA and MEHRD to strengthen the alignment between scholarships and workforce demands to ensure education investments yield tangible economic benefits.

In response, officials reiterated their commitment to finalizing the scholarship process by December’s end, assuring the PAC of their dedication to a transparent and equitable selection process. They also acknowledged lessons from past delays and pledged to apply these insights to improve future timelines.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the PAC’s concerns and ensuring the timely delivery of scholarships to support the nation’s development priorities.

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