BY LORETTA B MANELE
It is not because women lack the ability, it is because our systems have not always opened the doors wide enough for women to actually showcase their hidden potential and talents.
Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, Minister of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) raised this at MHMS and Solomon Islands Australia Partnership launch of the Women’s Leadership Initiative last Wednesday at Heritage Park Hotel.
“If we want a strong, more resilient health system, then we must widen the doors. We must make sure that women in Honiara, in our provinces and in our rural areas can step into the leadership role if they choose,” he said.
Bosawai stated that women’s leadership strengthens systems, it improves care, brings different perspectives and helps create a workplace culture where people feel respected and safe.
Bosawai said the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to gender equality, equity, public sector strengthening, good governance, equitable workforce development and safe and inclusive workplace.
“It also supports our progress towards the National Health Strategic Plan 2022-2031, especially in strengthening governance and workforce reforms,” he added.
Bosawai said their responsibility as a government is to create a conscience where women can succeed through policy representation and through building a culture of respect and fairness across the public service.
He pointed out that some may question why they are announcing the initiative now.
“The answer is simple, because the moment demands it.
“And I’m really one of those who really want to see women succeeding in not only health, but also across other sectors,” he said.
Bosawai stressed that we need leadership that is strong, diverse, and reflective of our people and state.
“And we need young women entering the adult workforce to see that leadership is for them too.
“So, I encourage the female doctors that maybe today is the beginning of a new predicament coming,” he added.
The Member of Parliament for the North Guadalcanal Constituency also encourages women in the health workforce to move forward and not away.
Bosawai also took the opportunity to share a story about how a cleaner became a microscopist.
He said while working at GIPPOL as a medical officer there was a cleaner who was always the first person to arrive at the clinic and to tidy up the doctor’s room.
Bosawai explained that one day he sat with her and asked her if this was what she really wanted to do.
She told him that unfortunately she became pregnant and couldn’t continue her studies.
Bosawai then asked the GM if they could train her to be a microscopist.
He said he had done his microscopy study for a year and was really good with his microscope so he trained the lady.
“And I developed a curriculum for her. And every time when she sees a slide, I would be the one to confirm if her reading is correct. But I must say that I have done microscopy for one year.
“And I’m really good with my microscope. And that’s why I trained her,” said Bosawai.
The lady also took part in an exam, a Q & A with the vector-borne department within the ministry.
Bosawai said that during the exam she came 3rd out of all Solomon Islanders who are qualified microscopists.
“So, she didn’t go to school. She just did training and then got certified through the Q&A with the vector-borne. And she currently works as a microscopist as I speak,” he said.
Bosawai pointed out that this is how men who are in leadership roles can help women to unleash their potentials.
“And this is how you can lead as men that are holding leadership, providing opportunity to women, exploring their hidden potential and talents,” he said.
Bosawai furthered that this Women’s Leadership Initiative will open doors for women to grow, learn and build confidence in leadership.
“The committee will explore transparency, fairness and representation from across the whole country.
“Together, they will shape a new generation of leaders. Women whose potential, experience and talent will move our ministry forward. This is not symbolic.
“It is an investment in the future of our health sector. Studying women’s leadership does not stand alone. It must be connected to wider reforms,” he said.
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