BY GEORGINA KEKEA
WOMEN are encouraged to support each other in their daily work. Speaking during the closing of a session with SIPNET (Solomon Islands Professional Women Network), through the Waka Mere Commitment to Action, Regina Gatu, Sustainable Manager of the Guadalcanal Plains Plantation Limited (GPPOL) says the most complex challenge for women is how we see our fellow female colleagues.
“Do we take time to listen to the things they have to say? Do we appreciate the little things they do? Do we say thank you when we are being showed with curtesy? Do we appreciate the little things they do?” Ms Gatu questions.
She says each one has a unique journey. She said it is about getting from Point A to Point B in life and expecting results and changes as an individual.
“It is about individuals and how individuals are valued by self, by others and their organizations. It is about giving that opportunity for individuals to explore their strength and build on that. It is about acknowledging others who strive to be someone.”
Gatu says only when we start showing support and genuine concerns will we see individuals starting to change and be able to grow positively.
She says how females treat each other both in the workplace and home is very important. Respect for one another and to listen and to give attention, space and mentorship are very important factors to consider if women are to support each other.
“The question I would like for us to take away with us and answer at our own time is, ‘how will I support my sister, mother, friend and colleague so that she can reach her full potential as a leader’? Then we as women can say YES we are the real deal.”
The Waka Mere Commitment to Action is an initiative of the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI).
Recently twenty women representing seven companies have in the country have undergone a Leadership and Management course through the Waka Mere Commitment to Action.
Seventeen of the country’s largest companies (of which GPPOL is one) have signed up and now undertaking measures to move more women into leadership positions, build respectful and supportive workplaces, and promote women to non-traditional jobs.
Yesterday SIPNET hosted an event for the IFC Vice President, Nena Stoilijkovic who is currently in the country.
