The workshop “Stori Blong Oketa Mere Workshop” was purposely to provide an opportunity for women in Solomon Islands to contribute to discussions and processes that aim to achieve truth, justice and rehabilitation of women victims of the tensions between 1998 and 2008 and more specifically to discuss, document and present their story of the tensions in a submission to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that may be used in compiling its final report.
This was
the first appearance for the newly established Parliamentary group and so they
made it as an opportunity to introduce the group’s importance to other women
groups and organizations.
YWPG’s
establishment was led by Speaker of National Parliament, Sir Allan Kemakeza and
the National Project Director of the UNDP Parliamentary Strengthening Project
to be an agent for positive change by helping to bring key issues for Solomon Islands
women directly to the floor of Parliament for debate and remedial action.
The issues of discussion include women experiences
before, during and after the tensions and possible reparations, institutional
reforms and prosecutions that will bring justice to women who have been
affected by the tension.
Generally women in the Solomon Islands
enjoyed a lot of freedom before the tensions. They have plans and hope for the
future, development was taking place gradually, education for women and girls
was also increasing, in short we were the ‘happy isles’.
However during the tension women lost their freedom of movement and access to lot of services.
Some lost their family members especially women in Guadalcanal and Malaita who were directly involved in the conflict. They lost all sense of hope; all they see is a bleak future for their children.
Family breakups were evident especially
here in the Capital, when families flee back to their islands for fear of the militia
(MEF, GRA, and IMF).
Women and girls were harassed, even raped;
some were forced to be militants wives in Guadalcanal. Women lived in fear and uncertainty,
huge amount of property loss and even job loss as well.
During the four days each province shared their stories and what they prefer the government should do for them. The five main recommendations put forward by the women were;
- Women’s Space
- Forgiveness
- Compensation
- Rehabilitation
- Promise by the government not to repeat such crises
- Border patrol
After 3 days of discussion a report was
presented to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Women hope that the
Commission will take on board the recommendations put forward by the women.
These women are calling on the government
to listen to their stories and address them accordingly. A ceremonial handing
over was done and also presenting of traditional gifts to each province that
participated.
Four provinces took part in this workshop,
Malaita, Guadalcanal, Western, Choiseul provinces and Honiara Women.
“The world is…starting to grasp that there is no policy for progress (in promoting, development, health, and education) more effective than the empowerment of women and girls…And I would also venture that no policy is more important in preventing conflict, or in achieving reconciliation after conflicts has ended”
- UN Secretary - General Kofi Annan (2006)
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