Meet Probation Woman Police Constable (WPC) Mirriam Manu Boniekap, who is also known by her artist’s name, ‘Big Momma,’ who hails from Nep village, a remote community in Santa Cruz, Temotu Province, in the far eastern part of the Solomon Islands.
WPC Boniekap began her policing journey in 2024 by joining the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) with a strong determination to uphold her family’s legacy and to make a difference by helping civilians in need of police services.
She is currently serving at Naha Police Station as a general duty officer; she handles a wide range of responsibilities—from arresting offenders and investigating cases to mediating community disputes.
Her passion for policing continues to grow as she serves her community with dedication and integrity.
“Being a police officer is not for the soft-hearted people,” she firmly stated this in an interview with the RSIPF Media Team during a recent visit to Naha Police Station.
WPC Boniekap shared that one of her biggest challenges is dealing with perceptions from some male civilians who doubt her capability because she is a woman.
“It’s a disgrace when people think women can’t handle police matters,” she said. “But I never back down from my duties.”
She believes that such challenges only strengthen her resolve and bring maturity in decision-making.
“Gender does not define my capabilities to handle issues in line of my duties,” she emphasized.
“Being a police officer is not an easy task; we have to be mentally fit to take up responsibilities, ready to accept criticism from the public, and prepared to be judged,” she added.
Beyond her professional duties, WPC Boniekap faces the personal challenge of balancing her demanding career with family responsibilities.
“Making sure everything is okay at home while managing my duty is tough,” she admitted.
“As a woman, I have to lead both at work and at home.”
Her strong commitment requires constant care and time management. Despite the challenges, she strives to be a role model for her siblings, demonstrating flexibility and dedication in both her personal and professional life.
“I’m proud to be a female officer and serve my country,” she said. “The weight of my responsibilities can be overwhelming at times, but I remain strong-minded to excel in both my career and family life.”
To young women aspiring to join the police force, WPC Boniekap offers words of encouragement: “It’s an exciting and rewarding job being a female police officer.
To serve and protect life and property gives you the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives, which is a core value of the RSIPF organization.
– RSIPF
