WOMEN in Honiara on Wednesday,2nd October officially relaunched the Honiara Council of Women at the Multi-purpose Hall Youth Hub in China Town.
The relaunching came after years of idleness in working with women’s groups in different communities in Honiara over the past years.
The theme of the programme was “Inspire Our Women.”
Delivering the keynote address, Honiara City Council (HCC) Women Development Officer Janet Oge said the theme was timely as it reminds women of their collective responsibility to lift each other, create a space where their voices can be heard at all levels of the society.
“Women in Honiara, like women across the world, are mothers, professionals and leaders but many of them still face challenges, inequality, discrimination and lack of opportunities.
“It is our duty as communities to break these barriers and open doors for all women, regardless of their background,” she said.
Mrs Oge said: “Today is all about recognizing the incredible contributions that women make every day to make an environment where future generations of girls and women are inspired and can dream big dreams.
“When women are empowered, the entire communities can benefit. When women lead, progress takes place.”
She encouraged all women in Honiara to continue to commit themselves to supporting and inspiring each other.
Mrs Oge, on behalf of the Honiara City Mayor and the Honiara City Council, acknowledged all the hardworking women and members of the committee who have worked together to re-launch the HCW and officially declared the council relaunched.
Director of Women’s Division in the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children & Family Affairs, Vaela Devesi highlighted that women almost make half of the Solomon Islands population and on that note, encouraged women to participate in decision-making such as Parliament to speak for women, raising issues affecting them so as to be addressed.
“If you look at different boards and commissions, some of those providing advises to the government, businesses, NGOs are women.
“If you look around here, everyone has a need but our voices are not heard.
“Also remember that we too have done a lot for our families, communities and nation as a whole.
“One good example is during the ethnic tension, when women helped to bring back peace to Solomon Islands. We women are the peacemakers and it is a big thing. We know how to make peace and run our own families.”
She said as women leaders, they can also encourage and inspire others on a daily basis.
“We can start by making positive changes, inspire our daughters also to become leaders,” she said.
Ms Devesi also highlighted the importance of promoting people living with disabilities in communities.
“If we really like to get us back to the theme, then it also means that we must also inspire our young girls, women and men living with disability as well.
“You need to speak out against violence. When you see a woman committing violence against another woman, speak out and stop them,” she said.
Ms Devesi said: “We are now in the days where domestic violence is everyone’s business.
“These days, the law of the country says that we all have the responsibility to report violence. That is also how you can inspire other women.”
Several women’s groups from different Wards within the Honiara City attended the event.
The final day of celebration to mark the official launch was Thursday. The celebration included cultural entertainment and sessions with donor partners.
The HCC Women’s Division offers a range of services to support, train and empower women in Honiara.
These include holding workshops to educate and inform women about issues that affect them and equipping them with skills to improve their lives.
By RAYMOND HULANGA
Solomon Star, Honiara