BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
CONSULTATIONS to review the Western Province Women Empowerment and Transformational Policy for Development 2018–2022 concluded successfully yesterday in Gizo.
In an interview with Island Sun, Principal Women Development Officer for Western Province, Mrs. Lisi Wong Binet, said the consultation process began last year and covered various communities across the province.
She said the next phase of consultation will involve Heads of Divisions within the provincial administration and Members of the Western Provincial Assembly.
Binet said the draft policy document will then undergo further review before the final document is presented to the Provincial Executive during the next Assembly meeting later this year.
“So, we have conducted consultations last year and today we have representatives from communities surrounding Gizo, church representatives, women’s groups and other stakeholders to have their final say on the draft policy.
“We’ve received constructive feedback from the participants that will help shape the policy,” she said.
While Binet acknowledges that the policy review had been long overdue she expressed gratitude for the support that enabled her department to finally complete the community consultation process.
She said the policy will play a vital role in guiding development programmes and activities for women in the province.
“This policy is very important when it comes to identifying the most needed programmes and activities that would support women development in Western Province.
“In short, this policy document outlines areas that need more support when it comes to women’s development,” Binet said.
Launched in July 2018, the Western Province Women Empowerment and Transformational Policy for Development (2018–2022) is a pioneering initiative of the Western Provincial Government designed to advance gender equality in the Solomon Islands.
The policy aims to foster economic, social and political empowerment by removing barriers to women’s participation in development and features eight strategic outcomes intended to transform livelihoods.
It has played a key role in the development of market infrastructure in Gizo, Noro, Munda and Seghe, and facilitated the establishment of a Family Support Centre in Gizo to assist victims of domestic violence.
Photo credit: Ben Bilua
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