Honiara – Aspiring women leaders have expressed their appreciation for the valuable network they have gained after attending the Solomon Islands Senior Women in Executive Leadership Program.
Twenty-five women representing different organisations from the private sector, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and public sector on Thursday 9 October 2025 successfully completed the four-day Program as the sixth cohort delivered by the Women in Executive Leadership Solomon Islands (WELSI).
“From the start coming into this program, I didn’t know what I was walking into,” said Christina Palusi, who is the Manager Key Accounts at Our Telekom’s M-Selen Department.
Ms Palusi, is among the aspiring women leaders that attended the recent delivery of the program, who said the training had thought them a lot of things in terms of advancing professionally as women and that they have learned a lot and for that they are very thankful.
“One of the most important take out for me from the four days is the network I have built. I have had the privilege of engaging with very experienced guest speakers, our facilitators and of course other professional women who I’ve studied with in this program.
“I want to give appreciation to my employer for allowing me to attend this program and to WELSI for giving us women the opportunity to attend this training and a space where we can grow professionally,” she said.
One of the attributes WELSI seeks to develop in the young professionals attending this program is their confidence, to put their hands up even if it means stepping out from their comfort zones.
Ms Freda Tamu has been the Cash Power Administrator at Solomon Power for ten years, and she is grateful the training department within Solomon Power selected her to attend the program.
“At first I was hesitant to attend the program because I felt it was only for senior women in leadership. But I was encouraged and I’m happy I made the decision to attend this program,” she said.
Me Tamu said the first thing she learned from attending the program is having a support network system around you.
“I have learnt about having a coach, mentor and a sponsor. It’s important to have this support system which will help and support in the progression of your career as a woman.
She highlighted that the program has helped participants understand the importance of identifying risks within the work place, and be able to find ways to mitigate those risks to be able to do your work to the best of your ability.
“For me, attending this program very important for me as it was very informative and I have learned a lot of things that I have not known before.
“Once you attend this program, take on onboard what you have learnt and apply them, it will take you a long way in terms of your career,” Ms Tamu said.
The participants of the sixth cohort will be awarded their certificates for successfully completing the program during a graduation ceremony on Friday 16 October which will coincide with celebrations to mark the one-year anniversary of WELSI.
The Solomon Islands Senior Women in Executive Leadership Program is designed for aspiring women leaders who want to deepen their knowledge of business operations, develop strong networks with other senior women, build confidence in areas including governance, and refresh their professional brand.
With support from the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI) is delivered by WELSI with the objective to advancing gender development and social inclusion in terms of providing relevant professional development of women, providing support and network to advance professional women into CEO and board positions.
– WELSI Press
