The Women in Executive Leadership Solomon Islands (WELSI) remains committed with its vision to create a sustainable platform for advancing women in executive leadership roles through relevant training and supporting gaps that are a hindrance to the advancement of women in the executive leadership space.
This is following the successful hosting of its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Honiara on Thursday 31 July 2025.
WELSI, launched in October 2024, is an initiative that was birthed through a strategic collaboration between three partner organisations, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA) and the Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) bearing witness to the rise of a movement that will impact generations to come.
Ms Pamela Naesol Alamu, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ISIA, was elected unopposed as the President (Chair) of WELSI to be supported by Ms Dinna Irofufuli as Vice President (Vice Chair), Maslyn Meke as Treasurer, Ms Simaema Neilsen as Secretary and Yvonne Ogaoga and Rita Iro the ordinary members.
In presenting WELSI’s Annual Report at the AGM, Ms Alamu highlighted that in 2025 WELSI continue to strengthen its membership base, welcoming professionals from diverse sectors including Government, private enterprise, state owned enterprises, development organisations and civil society.
“This year saw an encouraging increase in members from younger professionals, reflecting WELSI’s growing reach and relevance.
“Our members bring a wealth of experience across leadership, governance, finance, law, education, and community development, further enriching the network and reinforcing our shared commitment to advancing women’s leadership at all levels and various sectors,” she said.
Some of the achievements of WELSI includes the hosting of five Senior Executive Women in Leadership which saw 92 participants since 2023 and the development of WELSI policies like the Board Governance policy procedures, AGM Policy and Procedures, Finance & Admin Policy and Procedures and Membership Policy and Procedures
Ms Alamu said by providing women with the support, networks, and opportunities they need to rise into executive positions, we are dismantling the barriers one by one.
“This initiative is about mentorship, capacity building, and creating pathways that ensure women can ascend to the highest levels of leadership with confidence and competence.
“Over the coming months and years, we aim to build partnerships with organizations, industries, and government bodies to ensure that this is not just a symbolic launch but a meaningful, long-term commitment to the empowerment of women in Solomon Islands,” she said.
SICCI CEO James Dolarii expressed the SICCI Board of Management, members and the Secretariat congratulatory wishes to the new WELSI Board emphasizing WELSI’s contribution to women capacity development and empowerment.
Rachel Rahii, SIWIBA Chief Executive Officer said that SIWIBA is proud to be a key partner for WELSI.
“Women leadership is needed and is vital to driving development and sustainability in Solomon Islands, and together with our partners, we are addressing the critical gaps in support and training for women in senior executive positions, fostering a future where women lead and contribute to a thriving Solomon Islands economy,” she said.
“This reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering women to reach their full potential in leadership roles.
ISIA, SICCI and SIWBA in partnership with WELSI are rooted in a shared commitment to empower women in senior executive roles, enabling their progression in CEO and Board positions.
– WELSI
