THE UN Women says it is looking forward to implement their new project on women’s political participation in close partnership with the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission office.
Gaylyn Puairana of UN Women office in Honiara made the remarks yesterday at the launching of projects to support the electoral registration process.
Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT) and UN Women who were selected for the projects will implement the projects as the projects are focussing on supporting the educational process of voter registration, with special attention to women.
Ms Puairana highlighted Solomon Islands women’s leadership and political participation are compromised.
“Women are underrepresented as voters, as well as in leading positions, whether in elected offices, civil services, the private sector and academia,” she added.
She said this occurs despite their proven abilities as leaders and agents of change, and their right to participate equally in democratic governance.
She added that UN Women believes that women’s participation is fundamental to democracy and essential to the achievement of sustainable development and peace.
Guided by the Convention of the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, Ms Puairana said the UN Women has been supporting the national government and NGOs with the introduction of appropriate measures including temporary special measures and capacity building initiatives to increase awareness and knowledge of the importance of full participation and the elimination of discrimination against women in the political sphere.
“We are happy to be able continue this work and to introduce new elements, such as community radio and transformational leadership, to strengthen women’s leadership in the Solomon Islands with the electoral commission.”
By TRIXIE CARTER
