MP Tuki looks forward to Public Service Bill 2025 ensuring more females employed for government
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Member of Parliament for Temotu Vatu constituency, Freda Tuki Rangirei hopes the Public Service Bill 2025 can address gender equality in the public workforce of the country.
Contributing to the bill, which is now in its second reading in parliament, she is grateful to be one of the few women currently in parliament and in the history of the Solomon Islands.
At the outset, the MP sincerely commends the intention of the bill which is to ensure a public service that has integrity, is transparent and accountable, and is high-performing.
She highlighted the importance of the reform, given the ongoing gender inequalities and disadvantages that certain groups, particularly women, continue to experience in the country.
“Current public service workforce data indicates that approximately 68 percent are men and only 32 percent are women employed by the government.
“It revealed that leadership and decision-making roles in the public service do not reflect the broader demographics of the Solomon Islands.
“Men hold over 80 percent of positions, such as Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, Directors and Financial Controllers, as well as 58 percent of human resources managers’ roles,” she said.
Furthermore, MP Tuki highlighted that most women Deputy Secretaries are in corporate or administrative areas, while men dominate technical roles.
Similarly, she added that men continue to occupy the majority of direct positions with legislative authority.
In light of this, MP Tuki said a legal framework that ensures a diverse and inclusive workforce can better serve a diverse public.
She emphasised that this could lead to improved decision-making, increased efficiency, and greater public trust aligned with government commitments to all of its citizens, especially those most vulnerable.
“The bill’s clear principles; transparency, accountability, fairness, equality and employee rights are commendable.
“I particularly acknowledge the Equality of Employment Opportunity Principle, which promotes fair competition, eliminates discrimination and encourages diversity reflective of our nation,” the MP said.
She reiterates her confidence in the Public Service Bill 2025 to address challenges in gender equality in the public workforce.
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