SICCI congratulates new PS for Agriculture

THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) acknowledges the Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) for recognising the need of having women in leadership positions.

SICCI, as the peak body representing the private sector, congratulates Ms Ethel Tebengi Frances following her appointment as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).

Ms Frances becomes the third female Permanent Secretary to head a ministry in the current Government after been sworn-in at the Government house last Tuesday.

SICCI CEO Mr Dennis Meone says, “In developing nations like Solomon Islands, having women at the table impacts how policy resources are utilised and managed because of the simple fact that they can often see things from a different lens.”

Mr Meone says productivity and innovation, whether in private sector or the public sector, is positively affected by gender diversity.

“Agriculture plays an important role in the economy and we look forward to working closely with Ms Frances and her team in exploring new opportunities and innovative ways in developing the sector,” says Meone.

SICCI is leading the Waka Mere Commitment to Action initiative in partnership with the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) working with seventeen of the country’s largest companies in undertaking measures to build respectful and supportive workplaces and encourage women into leadership positions based on performance.

Coordinator of the SICCI-IFC Gender Programme, Mrs Ruth Maetala said empowering and encouraging women to leadership and management roles in the workplace is of importance.

“More gender diversity can translate to increased productivity, greater innovation, better products, better decision-making, and higher employee retention and satisfaction.

“Any specific efforts to recruit women to leadership roles can only be encouraged if organisations encourage a work culture where they can succeed,” Maetala said.

–SICCI PRESS

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