BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
A team from the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) is currently in Western Province delivering a program aimed at strengthening community responses to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The initiative focuses on improving community understanding of survivor-centred approaches, strengthening knowledge of referral pathways, and promoting collective responsibility in protecting women and girls.
Nine communities across the province have been selected to participate in the program, which includes the establishment of CARE Community Committees.
These committees consist of trusted and respected members of the community, including chiefs and traditional leaders, women leaders, youth representatives, faith leaders, community volunteers, representatives of persons with disabilities, and local service providers where available.
Key stakeholders involved in the initiative include provincial government representatives and members of SAFENET.
The CARE Committees are being formed to strengthen community-level mechanisms for the prevention of and response to SGBV.
They will serve as focal points within communities to raise awareness, promote safe and supportive responses to survivors, and facilitate referrals to appropriate services through existing SAFENET mechanisms.
SIPPA says the activity marks an important step in strengthening grassroots protection systems and improving links between communities and formal support services for survivors of violence.
The association acknowledges that survivors in remote and rural communities continue to face challenges in accessing essential services, including health, psychosocial support, protection, and legal assistance.
Limited awareness and weak referral systems often increase the risks faced by survivors.
Through its Empower HER Project, SIPPA is working to establish community-based SGBV protection networks in selected communities in both Western Province and Temotu Province.
The program in Western Province is being implemented from March 18 to 27, 2026, while activities in Temotu Province are scheduled from March 19 to 27, 2026.
The initiative is carried out in partnership with SAFENET members and a gender-based violence consultant from Alinea International.
The outreach highlights ongoing efforts to build safer communities and ensure survivors of violence receive timely and appropriate support.
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