Dear Editor – Violence against women has been a longstanding issue in the Solomon Islands. It is recognised that these crimes are among the most serious the country faces, yet, sadly, only a few offenders are punished, and the law fails to adequately protect them.
This endangers women and girls, hampers the nation’s progress, and denies women their fundamental rights.
Every day, women and girls across the nation are gripped by fear from domestic violence, sexual violence, and various obstacles to justice and economic opportunities if they speak up. This represents a profound moral failure in our society and demands immediate action.
To address this, we need strong enforcement of the law so that wrongdoers can be punished. We must provide a full range of support services for survivors, and begin to tackle cultural practices that sanction inequality and silence victims who bravely come forward.
Let us take our voices together and speak against this injustice. Let us respect at home, support survivors in our communities, and demand accountability from our leaders to change the course of this nation.
Let us work hand in hand to create the Solomon Islands where every woman and girl can live a life free of fear and with dignity.
Sincerely,
William Kaitu’u
University of the South Pacific
