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 Stakeholders validate key gender policies

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Stakeholders participated in a one-and-a-half-day workshop aimed at validating the national Gender Equality and Women’s Development and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls policies reflecting gender equality priorities in the Solomon Islands.

The event was hosted by the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) Women’s Development Division (WDD), with support from Pacific Community’s (SPC) Human Rights and Social Development Division under the Government of Australia Progressing Gender Equality in the Pacific programme from 30 June to 1 July.

Stakeholders in Honiara gathered in person, joined by ‘online’ colleagues and technical experts in the hybrid event.

Gender equality stakeholders reviewed changes in the gender policy landscape, reviewed progress made and policy implementation priorities moving forward to 2027.

Participants assessed the outcome areas in the two policies to ensure that outcomes match with ongoing project and programme implementation, resource mobilisation and results frameworks.

Participants included key government ministries, civil society groups, service providers for survivors of family violence and development partners engaged in the policy review process.

Feedback from consultations during the review process highlighted how the policies focus programming efforts and helps to mobilise resources for gender equality.

Stakeholders emphasised that increasing collaboration on women’s rights has raised awareness about the benefits of gender equality across diverse sectors including health, finance, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, human resource management, policing and in the judicial system at national, province and community levels.

Dr Cedrick Alependava, Permanent Secretary of MWYCFA congratulated participants “for your invaluable time and commitment towards gender equality and women’s rights, these policies provide very important foundations for our collective efforts to ensure that all women and children are protected and benefit from inclusive sustainable development and that no one is left behind”.

Miles Young, Director HRSD, emphasised SPC’s substantial investment and commitment in supporting the Solomon Islands gender equality goals over the medium to long term; “we know that this is a long-term investment because it involves changing attitudes and behaviours and harmful stereotypes resulting in gender inequality”.

Looking forward, the MWYCFA will now finalise the policies before submission to cabinet while continuing to support advocacy and awareness raising activities in the policy outcome areas and supporting governance mechanisms, with the National Stakeholder Taskforce meeting later in 2022.

MYWCFA Press

Makira Women trained on sustainable food security

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Training group photo.

More than twenty mothers and girls from Ward five of West Makira have gained knowledge in soil improvement to sustain their families’ food security in efforts to withstand the effects of climate change.

Organized by an all women led NGO in Honiara, the Matavale women’s Association, a three day training and demonstration took was conducted on Anuta Island, West Makira Constituency from the 22nd to the 24th of June 2022.

The training had indoor lessons and outdoor practical and demonstrations and was held after a team from the organization carried scoping work in early June where more than 20 villages were visited.

A trainer from Kastom Gaden Association, Esther Lodu conducted the training with Matavale Women’s Association officers.

Speaking at the training, Ms Lodu said, as bread winners of many families, women need to be prepared to face negative effects of climate change on agriculture and food security because of extreme weather conditions which may result in poor crop yields through too much rain, drought and other natural disasters.

Soils improvement practical and demonstrations during the Training

She said the effects of climate change not only cause sea level rise but other issues not seen before such as frequent and sever cyclones, increased incidences of diseases and very low crop yields.

She said, if we are not prepared to adapt to changing weather conditions, our families will face a lot of difficulties, one of which is poor crop yields, that we are not able to feed our families therefore conducting trainings like this are very important.

She said, what Matavale Women’s Association is trying to achieve is to enable families feed their families with nutritious local food in the face of mounting negative effects of climate change, one of which is food security.

During the training, women were given classroom lessons and the majority of time in outdoor practical and demonstrations on methods to improve soil quality, crop nursery and nurturing, seed packaging and biological pest control measures which women can use in their local settings.

Matavale Women’s Association representative at the training, Ellen Paieke said participants have welcomed the training as an eye opener and the first of its kind to be held for women in the area.

“This training is to empower you participants to produce nutritious food which you can give to your families or to sell to earn some money to meet basic household needs”, Mrs Paieke said.

Anuta Community representative, Timothy Unga said the community and its people really appreciated the initiative by the Matavale Women’s Association as it will help families grow enough food to feed their families.

“We have seen a decline in crop yield over the years and with the training, I’m very hopeful we can reverse the trend” Mr Unga said.

Building composts using available materials during the training

A women’s leader from Oneibia village, Eunice Hoben described the training and associated demonstrations as an eye opener and women have found it to be very helpful and meaningful to them.

She said the training was the first of its kind to be held in the area as previous trainings were mainly on faith-based activities.

“This is the first training women in the are part of and we are very grateful to the Matavale Women’s Association for seeing it fit to come down this far to help us. We have learnt a lot and I’m very hopeful what the women received from the training will be applied in their own gardens” Mrs Hoben said.

The women’s groups were provided with gardening tools and seedlings after the training to start their fruit and vegetable gardens.

Matavale Women’s Association will hold other food security oriented trainings and demonstration in the coming months for communities and women’s groups in West Makira.

The current training for ward five and six was made available through UNDP’s Global Environment Fund and following on under UNWomen Peace and Humanitarian Fund for Wards 5 to 8 in the West Makira Constituency.

Matavale Women’s Association is very appreciative of GEF for making it possible for the group to reach out to vulnerable groups in the rural communities of Solomon Islands which it will try its best to achieve in the longer term.

Details to delay Parliament to be tabled

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Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE details to delay the 11th Parliament to 2024 or permanently extend it for five years will be seen on the Bill when it is tabled in Parliament.

Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui confirmed this to the media in a press conference last week.

He said currently Cabinet is still to meet and endorse the Bill because most Government’s members are still to complete their awareness in their respective constituencies.

He said when the Government members return, a paper will be submitted to Cabinet to approve and endorse the Bill.

Kabui said Government will then table the Bill in Parliament and sits there for a month as required under the Constitution on notice.

The Constitutional Review Committee in Parliament will carry further enquiry on the Bill and seek further submissions from other stakeholders.

Then after the Bill will go through first reading, second reading and third reading before its passage.

Furthermore, Kabui said this process is similar to the Public Health Emergency Bill.

He said when Government tabled it in Parliament, it has nothing to do with it.

Kabui said this is the reason why the Government is still waiting for the Bills and Legislative Committee to finalise its report before can proceed further.

“There are processes in place which is reflective of our West Minister democratic system of governance,” he added.

The Government intended to delay the elections to 2024 because the Pacific Games is taking place in 2023 as well.

So far, Transparency Solomon Islands, Solomon Islands Christian Association, House of Chiefs on Guadalcanal and other women’s organisations have opposed the delay or extension of Parliament because they want to the election held in 2023.

Ming: PRC-SI Police partnership open, transparent

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Eddie Osifelo
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PM Sogavare witness the bullet proof vests

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE police cooperation between Solomon Islands and Peoples Republic of China (PRC) is open, transparent and friendly on the basis of equality and respect.

PRC Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Li Ming explained this during the joint demonstration between Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and Correctional Services officers and PRC Police Liaison Team at Rove field last Friday.

Ming said it is not targeted at any third party and focus on concrete actions.

“It will benefit the two peoples and regional peace and stability as well,” he said.

Four weeks ago, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid a historic visit to Solomon Islands.

The two sides signed 10 important Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further enhance cooperation in areas like tariff, health and anti-pandemic, civil aviation, disaster prevention and relief, and opened a new chapter of bilateral relations between China and Solomon Islands.

Ambassador Ming said Foreign Minister Wang Yi also explained three principles guiding China-Solomon Islands security cooperation, namely, fully respecting the national sovereignty of Solomon Islands, helping maintain the social stability of Solomon Islands and going in parallel with regional arrangements.

He said in accordance with the consensus reached by the two sides, China will continue to deepen and enhance bilateral police cooperation.

NRH to address floor -bed problem 

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Mavis Podokolo
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Patients lying on the floor at the Emergency-Outpatient area, Friday June 24. Photo by Irwin Angiki

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

NATIONAL Referral Hospital (NRH) has set in place short- and long-term measures to address the floor-bed problem that has been an ongoing sight at the hospital.

This was confirmed by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Referral Hospital (NRH) Dr George Malefoasi in a recent press conference organised by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPMC).

“Unfortunately, we have excess number of patients but already we have some short term and long-term actions for that issue. It will be a bit slow for us to carry out but you will see some changes soon,” Malefoasi said.

He said the short-term measures include, the NRH providing some additional beds and additional long-term measures will be carried out soon as well.

Malefoasi said it comes back to people if they are sick, ensure they take their medicines.

“Many of the patients out there are defaulters’ people who are on High blood pressure who did not get their medication and come back to NRH.

“They are very sick so we cannot let them return home but to look after them at NRH as long as they are on treatment,” he said.

COVID-19 improving with declining cases

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Mavis Podokolo
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The National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Covid-19 situation in Solomon Islands has improved with declining cases recorded so far according to the Ministry of Health and Medical Service.

According to the latest health advisory admissions at health facilities around the country are also declining as well.

“Covid-19 situation in the country has improved with declining cases and admissions at health facilities,” the health advisory said.

It stressed that there are few cases in the provinces.

But warned that with the easing of public and social measures and more importantly the reopening of borders there is also the possibility of new infections of covid-19 and a third wave.

“Therefore, the Ministry of Health is issuing this advocacy to guide us on how to continue mitigate any possible risks of covd-19 to our communities,” the statement said.

The advisory further adviced the public to practice covid-19 health safety measures, business houses and critical infrastructures like shops and banks to follow and strengthen covid-19 safe practices for person experiencing covid-19 symptoms and to get tested at any of HCC clinics.

 It also advises that incoming travellers will not undergo mandatory quarantine bur they are advised to adhere to and observe covid-19 protocols.

China to provide $22M worth of equipment to RSIPF

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Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and Correctional Service officers assemble during the joint demonstration with China Police at Rove field recently.

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force is expected to receive equipment from China to boost their capability in carrying out their operations.

China Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Li Ming confirmed that 22 police vehicles, 30 motorcycles, 2 police water cannons, 8 police drones and advanced CPP equipment which are valued at $SBD22M that will arrive in the country soon.

Speaking at the demonstration of a joint police training between China and Solomon Islands at Rove field last Friday, Sogavare said this equipment will greatly assist the RSIPF and CSSI.

“I also look forward to the implementation of the 3 projects mentioned by the Minister of Police.

“Ambassador Li Ming, please accept my gratitude and that of the people of Solomon Islands for this equipment and the training provided by the China Police Liaison Team. Thank you,” he said.

Furthermore, Sogavare congratulated the China Police Liaison Team (PLT), police officers from the RSIPF and the CSSI for the very professional demonstration that he had just witnessed, using the equipment that have been donated by the Peoples Republic of China.

“I am very impressed and feel confident that the capability of the RSIPF and CSSI has been greatly boosted with these trainings.

“Team Leader of the China Police Liaison Team Leader, Commissioner Zhang Guangbao, I applaud your leadership and guidance over the past 5 months in training our officers. The effort that you and your team have put into this training is self-evident,” he said.

PM wants permanent policing arrangement to deal with uprisings.

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Eddie Osifelo
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and China Ambassador Li Ming and PRC Police Liaison Team members at Rove field.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare wants to see a permanent arrangement established with the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) to response to future uprisings.

This after the China Police Liaison Team (PLT) completed five months of training the Royal Solomon Islands Police officers and Correctional Services of Solomon Islands last week.

Speaking at the demonstration of joint training between PRC and the Solomon Islands police at Rove field last Friday, Sogavare said going forward he would like to see a more permanent arrangement in place.

He said an arrangement that is not only reactionary to certain situations, but one that is forward looking in identifying gaps and addressing these gaps before these gaps are exposed by situations such as the November Riots.

“Whilst we have MOUs in place, I think it is prudent that Solomon Islands and the Peoples Republic of China start discussion on how we can elevate the current joint training arrangement to a more permanent arrangement with clearly defined expected outcomes which aim at ensuring that RSIPF and CSSI have capability in the long term.

“If we achieve such capability, we will not have to depend on other countries to assist us to deal with our internal threats,” he said.

“Let me repeat it that as a sovereign country we cannot continue to depend on other countries to look after us.

“We must have the capability to address our internal threats,” Sogavare said.

“I see this current training arrangement including other capability package by our other donor partners as a first step in addressing our capability to ensure that we are not dependent on another country when it comes to addressing our internal threat.

“We want our discipline agencies to be self-sustainable with integrity and professionalism,” he added.

“As a country we will continue to explore how we can actively promote long-term enforcement cooperation with all our bilateral partners to bring peace and security for the people of Solomon Islands,” he added.

November riots revealed police weakness, says PM

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Eddie Osifelo
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Prime Minister Sogavare speaking at the ceremony today at Rove Police Headquaters

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Last year’s November riots have exposed the weakness and incapability of our police.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare alluded this in his speech yesterday at a joint demonstration by the RSIPF and Chinese police yesterday at Rove field.

As a result, the Government invited the China Police Liaison Team (PLT) to upgrade the skills of RSIPF officers and Correctional officers to prepare for future riots.

Sogavare said it is becoming a worrying trend recently for a small group of people to instigate such unlawful activities just because they do not get what they want.

He said the sad part is that it is our innocent people who are being manipulated and unsuspectingly being used.

“The cost to rebuild our town is another challenge that we will have to face.

“All for what? All for nothing. Actually, the November riots has put us back as a country. We cannot develop and progress if we continue to take the law into our hands,” he said.

Furthermore, Sogavare said there cannot be progress without law and order.

“That is why it is important that we build the capacity of RSIPF and CSSI to ensure law and order so that we can progress and develop as a country.

“Investing in our law and order capabilities is of utmost importance,” he said.

“We must have that capability, otherwise we will continue to depend on other countries to address our internal security threats.

“As a sovereign country, this is not acceptable,” he said.

“We cannot continue to allow our sovereignty and democracy to be held at ransom with violence by a few people.

“As a disciplined force, it is the responsibility of the RSIPF to serve and protect our people and I urge all officers to discharge this responsibility with pride and honour,” he said.

“As long as the capability of RSIPF and CSSI is being questioned, certain elements within our society will continue to use threats, fear, intimidation and inflammatory comments to create anxiety and alarm within our country.

“However, I have confidence and trust that with the training and equipment provided, RSIPF and CSSI will continue to defend the rule of law against the rule of the jungle,” he added.

Sogavare said this is why our capability in the long term is crucial.

The recent November riots have cost the country $800 million and up to 1000 people lost their jobs.

USAID backed forest grant progresses into final phase

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Auki PAC group photo

The Strengthening Competitiveness, Agriculture, Livelihoods, and Environment – Natural Resource Management (SCALE-NRM) project team based in Malaita has successfully completed four Pre-Application Conferences (PAC) at the four regions of the province.

The PACs were conducted at Auki, Atori, Malu’u and Afio for almost a hundred organizations that were selected from the preliminary expression of interests call for the Forest and Development Fund (FDF).

FDF is an initiative under the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) SCALE-NRM project which is being implemented in the Solomon Islands by Winrock Solomon Islands.

Maluu PAC participants2

The PACs provided detail instructions to the organizations, on project proposal development that meets both Winrock and USAID requirements.

Participants expressed gratitude not only with the support provided to help them develop project proposals but more so, for the knowledge imparted on proposal development, which they say will help their organizations in future applications for support from aid donors.

The grants are categorized into three categories namely, Innovative, Critical and Capacity Development Grants.

On March 24, SCALE-NRM made its first call for Expression of Interests (EOI) for associations, institutions and community groups, to submit initial applications for forest and development grants aimed at strengthening and supporting organizations working to enhance natural resource management and livelihoods in Solomon Islands.

Atori Participants

The first EOI call attracted a high number of applications from interested groups, demonstrating the vitality of the agribusiness sector in the province and widespread interest in supporting natural resource management.

All organisations that qualified through the initial FDF process have already submitted their detailed application proposals after the PACs. Final successful applicants will be announced after screening is conducted by an independent panel and approved by USAID.

SCALE-NRM has allocated SBD$3.2m for the first round of FDF. Additional rounds of FDF grants are expected periodically. SCALE-NRM encourages the public to listen out for the next call for expressions of interest which is expected later this year.

The Forests and Development Fund will provide grants to Solomon Islands organizations for activities that support the SCALE-NRM objectives of protecting forest, enhancing livelihoods, and building capacity of organizations on Malaita.

Two Participants from Atori2

SCALE-NRM is designed to address the underlying causes of forest degradation in the Solomon
Islands.

The program will implement a range of activities to improve forest governance and ensure sustainable forest management.

The project is being implemented over a five-year period, from October 2020 to September 2025.

Atori Pac Group

The SCALE project operates in Malaita province due to a specific request from the central government of Solomon Islands to address unmet development priorities in the largest province.

SCALE-NRM is a partnership between USAID and Winrock International.

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