BY LORETTA B MANELE
Andrew Schloeffel, Deputy Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands said when women lead, health systems thrive.
He voiced the sentiment at last week’s launch of “Women’s Leadership Initiative” at Heritage Park Hotel.
Speaking at the launching event of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and Solomon Islands Australia Partnership, Schloeffel said the day is one about recognition and action.
He stressed that the day is about recognition of the 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 acknowledged Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary for MHMS in taking the lead in the initiative.
“Let me first once again commend the PS for championing this initiative, a milestone for women in health under her leadership,” he said.
Schloeffel said leadership must reflect the talent and diversity of those who deliver care every single day in this country.
On this note, he mentioned that across Solomon Islands and across the world, women are the backbone of health delivery.
Schloeffel added that although women make-up 70 percent of the global health workforce yet they only hold 25 percent of senior leadership roles.
“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.
“They foster and drive innovation and build resilience in times of crisis,” he said.
Schloeffel went on to state that empowering women is therefore isn’t just the right thing to do but is the smart thing to do because it creates health systems that are inclusive, effective and sustainable for everyone.
Thus, he said Australia is proud to stand with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to advance women’s leadership.
“And under our new health partnership, we are committing $2 million to strengthen women’s leadership at the national and at the provincial levels. Through networking, mentoring and partnership.
“This initiative is led and driven by the Ministry and guided by the Women in Leadership Awards Committee, aligning with the National Health Strategic Plan and workforce equity priorities,” said Schloeffel.
He added that this is part of the bigger picture as over the past 12 years, Australia has invested over $300 million in initiatives supporting women’s leadership and women’s empowerment.
In relation, Schloeffel said in the past weeks, during her visit, Senator Nita Green announced an additional $46 million over three years through our Gender Equality Partnership.
“Plus, the new Pacific Strong, amplifying to end violence against women and girls’ initiative, will bring an extra $30 million to strengthen frontline crisis services for women and girls affected by gender-based violence,” he added.
Schloeffel said the Women’s Leadership Initiative is more than recognition as it is also a call to action.
Schloeffel calls on everyone to continue to work together; government, partners and communities, to ensure that these pathways are not just open, but are embedded for the future.
“It is a huge privilege to be here. And it is an absolute commitment of the Australian Government to support women in leadership and to support women’s equity across the Solomon Islands in every single field,” he said.
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