BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
FOUR communities in Western Province have taken a significant step to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) with the establishment of CARE Committees that aim to strengthen community-level prevention and response mechanisms.
The communities of Buni, Mandou, Kinamara and Noro Backway are now equipped with these committees, formed under the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association’s (SIPPA) Empower HER Project.
The initiative is part of SIPPA’s ongoing efforts to establish community-based SGBV protection networks in selected communities across Temotu and Western Provinces.
CARE Committees will serve as focal points within communities to raise awareness on SGBV, promote safe and supportive responses to survivors, and facilitate referrals to appropriate services through existing SAFENET mechanisms.
Each committee is made up of trusted and respected members of the community, including chiefs and traditional leaders, women leaders, youth representatives, faith leaders, community volunteers, representatives of persons with disabilities, and local service providers where available.
Speaking on behalf of the Kinamara CARE Committee, Margaret Galo acknowledged the importance of the initiative, highlighting the challenges faced by victims of gender-based violence in rural areas.
She said many victims often struggle to access support services due to limited knowledge and available resources.
“The establishment of this committee will help victims to access needed services and at the same time bring perpetrators to face the law,” Galo said.
She said domestic violence remains a common issue in many communities, with women often suffering in silence due to a lack of awareness on how to seek help.
“Most times we always see women subjected to domestic violence but do not have the knowledge to help and we see our fellow women suffer,” Galo said.
She acknowledged SIPPA for its support in equipping the Kinamara community with vital knowledge on SGBV and the processes involved in assisting survivors.
The establishment of CARE Committees marks a positive step towards empowering communities to take collective responsibility in protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that survivors of violence receive the support they need.
Photo: Ben Bilua
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