The Western Province Government (WPG) is reviewing its key women’s development framework, the Western Province Women’s Empowerment and Transformation Policy for Development (2018–2022), in a move to strengthen support for women across the province.
The review, led by the Women’s Division, has been ongoing since last year and aims to assess the impact of the initial policy while identifying new priorities to better address the needs of women in the years ahead.
The original 2018–2022 policy was introduced to bridge gaps in economic participation, leadership opportunities and social protection for women throughout Western Province.
With the policy cycle now concluded, the provincial government acknowledged the need to update the framework in response to the region’s evolving socio-economic challenges.
Western Province Principal Women’s Desk Principle Officer, Lisi Wong Binet, said the review is a crucial step toward ensuring that women’s voices from all wards are reflected in the next phase of development planning.
“Since last year, we have been looking closely at what we achieved and where the challenges remain. This review is about transforming the lives of our women through actionable and sustainable policies,” Mrs Binet told Solomon Star in an interview this week.
She said the consultation process has been inclusive, involving not only women but also church leaders, representatives of women’s associations, youths, young entrepreneurs and other stakeholders from West Gizo to Nusabaruku.
Mrs Binet explained that Gizo is the final community to be consulted, following earlier consultations in surrounding areas including Rannoga, Rarumana and other islands in the region.
She emphasized that the policy review is long overdue and described the document as “vital” to guiding women’s development in the province.
Following the community consultations, the Women’s Division plans to meet with Heads of Departments (HODs) and Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) before moving to the validation stage.
“After the validation process, the policy will be tabled at the Provincial Executive meeting for adoption,” she said.
Mrs Binet added that the finalized document is expected to be submitted to the Provincial Assembly around the time of the revised provincial budget in September or October this year.
She also acknowledged and thanked all participants who contributed during the one-day community consultations.
Meanwhile, the Western Province Government reaffirmed its commitment to using the updated policy as a roadmap for inclusive growth and sustainable development for women in Western Province.
The revised policy is expected to provide a modernized framework addressing key issues affecting women across the Western Solomons.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
