A Solomon Islands woman has tragically died in Australia following a suspected poisonous snake bite in Katherine, Northern Territory. The late Fiona Peace Tonafalea, 40, collapsed at a business premises on Pearce Street on Sunday, three weeks ago. Emergency responders, including St John Ambulance paramedics and local police, rushed to the scene and performed CPR, but she was pronounced dead. Investigations suggest she was bitten…
Four women Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officers last week attended the 2025 Australian Council of Women and Policing (ACWAP) Conference and the 26th Excellence in Policing Awards in Melbourne. The travel arrangement was funded by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership Program, and RAPPP Advisor Vanessa Pardy accompanied the officers. The event, co-hosted by ACWAP and…
When Jean Uwesi, an Australia Awards graduate with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Adelaide, returned home to Honiara’s Green Valley community, she was determined to empower local women with new skills and economic opportunities. With funding from the Australia Awards Solomon Islands’ Alumni Support Grant initiative, Jean organised training in innovative fabric…
THE Australian Government through its Small Grants Program is supporting to empower youth associations in Malaita Province, boosting economic opportunities and rural livelihoods. This year, several youth associations have received funding support to implement small-scale projects aimed at driving economic empowerment in their communities. So far, five youth associations are actively implementing projects with assistance…
Suva, Fiji – The UN Women Multi-Country Office (MCO) in Suva was recently transformed into a vibrant showcase of Pacific craftsmanship as it welcomed 19 market vendors from the Munda Market Vendors Association (MVA), Solomon Islands. The group is in Fiji for a one-week knowledge exchange visit — a self-organised and self-funded initiative by the…
Communities in the region have been urged to work together to foster peace, increase awareness and make resources available to build resilience against climate change. This was highlighted by Ms. Josie-Ann Ashley from the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress at the side event of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Aquatic Center in Honiara.…
Pacific Island Forum (PIF) Leaders’ spouses on Wednesday visited the Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands located at Lunga, East Honiara. During the short visit, they learnt how the coconuts are processed into all the KOSI products. Also the spouses get to try out KOSI products and buy themselves some products as souvenirs to take back to their countries. …
Spouses of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders took time on Monday to visit the National Art Gallery in Honiara as part of the official program for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting engaging with local artisans and traditional crafts in a celebration of Solomon Islands cultural heritage. Hosted by Madam Jocelyn Manele, spouse of…
Pacific Islands women continue to persist in addressing political issues surrounding peace and security, and forum leaders are being called upon to recognize and affirm their contributions. At a NGO and civil society round-table and media Q&A session over the weekend, Sharon Bhagwan-Rolls, a prominent Pacific feminist known for her work at the intersection of gender,…
THE National Referral Hospital (NRH) Children’s Ward has received a significant boost in medical and office equipment and other accessories – thanks to a generous donation worth $80,000 from LiveFit Club. LiveFit Club is a local health and fitness organization dedicated to promoting the wellness and empowerment of women through Zumba fitness training. Zumba is…