BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO
A five-day practice parliament session for women leaders who are interested in contesting for the upcoming national elections will be held from May 22-25, this year in Honiara.
This was revealed yesterday by Mrs Marisa Pepa, a Civic officer at the national parliament.
She said the purpose of hosting this activity is to advance women in political decision-making in terms of the very low representation of women at the national parliament.
“This forum will provide women with practical skills and exposure to the realities of policy-making and parliamentary processes and also an opportunity to practise at the highest legislative chambers.
“Learning form the last practice parliament for women in Solomon Islands, it would be ideal to target a total of 50 participants from diverse backgrounds and with a mix of young and older women,” said Pepa.
She explained the workshop targets women who are considering standing for the national and provincial elections and women who are community leaders, who wish to develop their leadership, advocacy and policy skills.
Also welcome are women who have commitment to support women and gender equality in terms of partnership with the national and local government bodies
Pepa adds, the session will be more on provincial representing, as well as including young women of all diversity.
She said application forms will be designed and distributed by the national partners through their networks as well as public calls through print media outlets, radio and targeted e-mail messages.
The forum is organised by the National Parliament of Solomon Islands in partnership with the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP).
