BY LORETTA B MANELE
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) turns over a new chapter when the ministry with Solomon Islands Australia Partnership launched the “Womens’ Leadership Initiative” at the Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.
Andrew Schloeffel, Acting Australian High Commissioner, also the Deputy High Commissioner hailed the day as a day about “recognition and action”.
He expressed that it is about the recognition of incredible women who lead across the health sector and action to break down barriers that still hold women back in this important sector.
Schloeffel also took the opportunity to acknowledge Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary for MHMS for championing the initiative.
“And as I said, let me first once again commend the PS for championing this initiative, a milestone for women in health under her leadership. This award sends a powerful message,” he said.
Schloeffel voiced that leadership in health must reflect the talent and diversity of those who deliver care every single day in this country.
He said across Solomon Islands and across the world, women are the backbone of health delivery and while they make up 70 percent of the global workforce, they only hold 25 percent of senior leadership roles.
Schloeffel pointed out that when women lead, health systems thrive.
“Women leaders prioritise maternal and child health care, champion preventative care and ensure resources reach those most in need. They foster collaboration,” he said.
Pauline McNeil, PS for MHMS thanked DFAT and the Australian Government for their support for the initiative.
“Your support strengthens our shared commitment to building a health system where women’s leadership is recognised, supported, valued and appreciated,” she said.
McNeil stated that the Women’s Leadership Initiative marks an important step forward for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
She said through the initiative, they will promote soft training, mentoring and leadership training to strengthen women’s skills, confidence and readiness for leadership roles.
“We will partner with national leadership networks, including women, in executive leadership in the country, in the region and hopefully in the globe to enhance impact and shared learning,” she said.
Also present at the ceremony was Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, Minister for MHMS.
He encouraged all present at the launching event to build this leadership platform and make it strong and effective.
Bosawai also commended PS McNeil for her leadership role in the ministry and for being active and transparent in the work she does in the ministry.
In his message to women working in the health sector, he said while they take on the leadership roles, there will always be criticisms and challenges, and there’s always the mentality of being inferior because of our cultural norms.
Bosawai added that this also leads to the thought of not being good enough or not being clever enough.
Shedding light on gender equality, he said the size of the male and female brain and the beauty of it is the same.
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