BY LORETTA B MANELE
The Chinese embassy in Honiara marked International Women’s Day 2026 last week with a donation of 40 sewing machines to the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA).
Speaking at the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency, Cai Weiming said across the globe, women are not just mothers, sisters or daughters.
“They have been pioneers, leaders and change makers. Their contributions have shaped history and continue to drive our society forward,” he said.
Mr Cai said to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day, the Chinese embassy is donating 40 sewing machines through MWYCFA to help promote the cause of women and improve the livelihood for women in rural communities.
He said in the past six years, thanks to the zero-tariff policy, implemented by China for all imports from Solomon Islands, bilateral trade volume between the two countries have exceeded 2.3 billion USD bringing tangible benefits to many female farmers, fishers and traders in Solomon Islands.
In terms of infrastructure, Cai said while Chinese companies build road, bridges, airports, seaports, communication towers, sport facilities and hospitals in Solomon Islands, they also offer job opportunities for local women.
“Local female workers are working side by side with their male co-workers; learning and gaining new professional skills for future economic opportunities.
“At the same time, Chinese companies are buying food and daily supplies from local traders, many are mothers and sisters in the family, generating more household incomes,” he said.
The Ambassador said in the past 6 years, China has implemented hundreds of “small yet smart” livelihood programmes in rural communities such as upgrading schools, clinics, power supply, water supply, transport, sanitation and other public facilities, improving the livelihood of women.
“China has actively engaged in charity, donating daily necessities through local women associations such as the Widows Association and Mothers’ Union groups, helping improve the well being of women in Solomon Islands,” he said.
Speaking of China’s support to the health sector in the country, he said the China Medical team in the country which is part of the China Aid program has treated more than 63,000 patients including female patients and visited all nine provinces bringing much-needed medical care to women living in remote communities.
Cai said that this week, two new female doctors will arrive in Honiara as members of the 5th China Medical team to help enhance medical services to local women.
In light of women’s participation in sports, he said China is proud to see the China-Aid National Stadium help many Solomon Islands female athletes realise their dreams of participating in locally held international competitions in world-class facilities.
“We congratulate once again the Iron Lady, Jenlyn Wini who won three gold medals during the Pacific Games and who became the pride of women in Solomon Islands,” he said.
Cai finally spoke about China’s support for female inclusion in education and training programs.
He said China has offered more than 200 full scholarships to Solomon Islands and helped many girls receive opportunities to study in prestigious Chinese universities.
“China has invited hundreds of female government officials, female police officers, female doctors, female nurses and female community leaders to undertake training courses in China, helping them to be better prepared to contribute to the social and economic development of Solomon Islands,” he said.
The Ambassador in his remarks concluded that the China-Solomon Islands cooperation in the cause of women is an important part of China’s support for global cause of women.
With that being said, he noted that last October, during the Global Leaders Meeting on Women in Beijing which was attended by Cathy Nori, Minister of Women, Chinese President Xi Jing Ping announced a series of new contributions that China will make to enhance the noble cause of women.
“……including donations, funding support and capacity building programs. These initiatives will not only inject strong impetus for the global cause of women, but also provide a broader stage for women around the globe to utilise their full potential and realise their aspirations,” he said.
Cai said they will work closely with Solomon Islands to implement those important programs.
In closing remarks, he said in China, there is an old saying “Women hold up half of the sky.”
Cai said when we honour women, we also recognise that in many places, women still face challenges to safety, education, employment and equal representation.
He referred to the 2026 International Women’s Day as not just a celebration but a call to action.
“It reminds us that each of us, regardless of gender of cultural background, has a role to play in creating a world where every woman and girl can live with dignity and equal opportunity.
“China stands ready to join hands with you, to further enhance our cooperation and to build a better shared future for all humanity including women,” he said.
Photo credit: Loretta B Manele
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