BY CHRIS ALEX
This week, Vois Blong Mere Solomon (VBMS) hosted an important meeting with key representatives from the Tina Hydro project, marking a significant step towards promoting inclusion and empowerment of women in the Tina Hydro Catchment Area.
The meeting, led by VBMS Director Nerol Vaekesa, brought together Ella Wariu, Tina Hydro’s gender focal point and Sharon Para, the community liaison officer, to discuss a new partnership aimed at amplifying the voices and experiences of women as key stakeholders in community development.
The Tina Hydro project, which is progressing rapidly, has already seen women in the surrounding communities take on vital roles in areas like; catering, laundry services, security and environmental monitoring.
Despite their significant contributions, many women remain marginalised in decision-making processes that impact their future and the development of their communities.
This collaboration is part of the broader framework of Vois Blong Mere Solomon’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) thematic area, which seeks to ensure that women’s involvement goes beyond participation and extends to active roles in shaping community policies.
A central aim of this partnership is to ensure that women not only have a seat at the table but that their safety, dignity and rights are protected and upheld throughout the project’s lifespan.
Ms Vaekesa emphasised the importance of including women in crucial conversations surrounding the Tina Hydro project.
“Peace and security go beyond the mere absence of conflict.
“True peace comes from the presence of justice, inclusion and equal opportunity for all. Listening to the stories and lived experiences of women is a critical step towards achieving this vision,” she said.
With this collaboration, VBMS is taking significant strides to ensure that women’s voices are at the forefront of community development, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects like Tina Hydro.
The organization is committed to working closely with both the project team and the communities to ensure that the needs and concerns of women are addressed in a sensitive, inclusive and conflict-aware manner.
The new partnership also aims to secure a more inclusive, just and sustainable future, ensuring that the benefits of the Tina Hydro project are felt by all members of the community—especially women, who are often overlooked in such initiatives.
Vois Blong Mere Solomon is optimistic about the positive changes this collaboration will bring and looks forward to continued progress in uplifting women’s voices in decision-making spaces.
The work being done now is expected to have lasting impacts, not only on the lives of women but on the broader community’s future.
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