LAST week two of our young women advocates were part of an international conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 16-19 May.
Here young advocate Natasha Eddie shares her experience about the conference.
A year ago while Natasha was in University of the South pacific in Fiji studying law and journalism, she found out about this link for the 2016 Women Deliver conference in Copenhagen, Denmark from a friend who recommended she should apply and give it a try since during those years she was so interested and keen to write articles on issues women are facing in the pacific.
Natasha applied for the Women Deliver Young leaders scholarship, representing USP as her organization and representing Solomon Islands as her country.
And that’s how she got accepted!
When she was accepted to be a part of Women Deliver program, they did online courses throughout last year.
The courses are on drafting advocating strategies, policy making and some more, she also learn about the SDG goals International human rights and how young leaders can advocate on issues women is facing in each country to help achieve the SDG goals by 2030.
Back then while Natasha was at university of the South Pacific, she was so interested in raising issues with regards domestic violence, and comprehensive sexual education…
“The issues I see should be highlighted especially in Solomon to bring along change, these issues are big issues.
“I’m happy to come back and do something to help women and inspire young girls to work towards bring these change about in our country in terms of advocating through the use of media on issues such domestic violence.
“When I’m here at the Women Deliver conference I’im learning and also making networks and getting all the resources i need to give back to our women in Solomon Islands.
“Everything about feminist and gender equality, sexual reproductive health and rights was the core heart of the program.
“It’s good to learn and know that Women Deliver believes that when the world invests in girls and women, everybody wins.
“This conference inspires me; I get to witness and listen to some of the most important people in the world advocating and supporting girls and women!
“And to me this is overwhelming! I get to talk and discuss ideas with other youth scholars on the issues our girls and women face back in our country.
“Attending this conference, I come to understand a little more and see that there’s a lot that i need to help out in.
“This conference inspires me to help women and girls back at home to be the voice for the voiceless
“Mary and I are coming back and involve ourselves where we are needed to help women and girls.
“It is a calling, and if you know that you can be the one to make a difference to the lives of girls and women at home then no doubt God will help us. ”
Two of young women represent Solomon Islands Mary Toata a youth scholar and Natasha Eddie.
Women Deliver 2016, brings together diverse voices and interested people to drive progress, particularly in maternal sexual and reproductive health and rights, and more important on youth leadership.
They build capacity share solutions and forge partnership, to create coalitions, communication, and action that spark political commitment and investment in girls and women.
By EENDER RENCE
Women in Media and Communication Solomon Islands
