Solomon Women Newspaper

15/12/2025

IMPORTANT DAY FOR MINISTRY OF HEALTH WOMEN | The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon Paul Bosawai, says the Women’s Leadership Award is an important moment for the Ministry of Health and the country. He shared his message at the Women in Leadership Awards launch held on 10 December. The Minister said the event shows progress and a strong commitment to making sure women leaders are seen, valued, and supported across the health system. He highlighted that women already play a key role in delivering health services every day. He said thousands of women work in clinics, hospitals, remote communities, and provincial services, and their work is just as important as that of men. Together, they keep the health system running. The Minister encouraged women to take up leadership roles and assured them of ongoing support. He said women leaders help improve healthcare, bring new ideas, and create safe and respectful workplaces. He added that the initiative supports government goals on gender equality and aligns with the National Health Strategic Plan. The Women in Leadership Initiative is a positive step toward helping women grow, lead, and shape the future of healthcare.

Read More Here: https://womensmedia.islesmedia.net/minister-says-womens-leadership-award-marks-important-day-for-health-ministry/

15/12/2025

HEALTH MINISTRY BACKS WOMEN LEADERS | The Ministry of Health has taken a big step to support women by creating a new Women’s Leadership Committee. The announcement was made by Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil during a special event celebrating women leaders. The new committee brings together 40 women and partners from different parts of the health system, including hospitals, provinces, national programmes, and supporting organisations. Their role is to help women grow into leadership positions. The committee will support women through mentoring, leadership training, and learning opportunities. It will also help improve workplace policies so more women can lead with confidence, with support from both women and men in the health sector. McNeil thanked the members for their commitment and said their work will help create a stronger and fairer health system. The initiative aims to inspire future generations of women leaders and make women’s leadership a normal part of health services.

Read More Here: https://womensmedia.islesmedia.net/health-ministry-launches-womens-leadership-committee/

13/12/2025

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

FROM: The Board of the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) and Members

TO: The Husband, Children, and Family of the Late Lisa Horiwapu

12/12/2025

SOLOMON-AUSTRALIA PARTNERSHIP BACKS GBV SERVICES | As part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), with support from the Solomon Islands–Australia Health Partnership, gave 50 dignity kits to the Christian Care Centre, National Referral Hospital, and Seif Ples in Honiara. Health Secretary Pauline McNeil said the kits show support for women in crisis and the staff who help them. She emphasized that all services must focus on safety, dignity, and survivor-centered care. Dr. Tristan Armstrong from the Australian High Commission highlighted Australia’s SBD 13 million PAVE Program, which strengthens the work of these centres and reflects long-term commitment to preventing violence and supporting recovery. The Christian Care Centre warned that Christmas is a high-risk period for women due to increased violence, making the kits and support crucial. The initiative reflects MHMS and Australia’s shared commitment to providing safe, compassionate, and empowering services for women across the Solomon Islands.

Read More Here: https://womensmedia.islesmedia.net/upholding-dignity-solomon-islands-australia-health-partnership-supports-frontline-gbv-services/

11/12/2025

FIGHTING DIGITAL VIOLENCE TOGETHER | During the international 16 Days of Activism, Australia's Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) rolled out gender-based violence (GBV) awareness training at construction sites across Solomon Islands, empowering workers and communities to combat digital harassment against women and girls. Acting Australian High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel praised the initiative, saying, “Everyone has the right to feel safe at work, home, in public and online spaces.” He added, “Australia is a proud supporter of this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign in Solomon Islands. This is one of many initiatives we’re supporting that reinforce respect, empower women and girls, and ensure Australia-supported infrastructure projects make a positive contribution to the communities they are designed to serve.”

Read More Here: https://womensmedia.islesmedia.net/building-safe-spaces-16-days-of-infrastructure-activism/

11/12/2025

EQUINOX COLLEGE CELEBRATES 2025 GRADUATION | At the Aquatic Centre in Honiara last Friday, Equinox College celebrated its 2025 graduation, sending hopeful students on a life-changing path to Australia's aged care sector. Founded to bridge skills gaps, the college equips young Solomon Islanders with the compassion and expertise needed for meaningful jobs caring for the elderly. Backed by partnerships with the National Referral Hospital and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, the program highlights a "big heart" approach, blending practical training with a caring attitude.

Visual @ Kreiner Tukali - Isles Media Freelancer

11/12/2025

WALE SLAMS BUDGET NEGLECT | In a fiery speech during the Committee of Supply for the 2026 Budget, Opposition Leader Hon Matthew Wale blasted the government for what he called "neglectful and callous" treatment of issues plaguing women and girls in Solomon Islands. He pointed to the tiny budget allocation for the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, arguing it's a deliberate oversight in a country where gender-based violence and hardships affect nearly 80% of women and girls. "Its almost as if we do not care as a collective leadership. Is it because issues faced by women, girls and youths in this country do not affect us directly?" Wale questioned, urging leaders to confront the "cancer" of indifference.

Read More Here: https://womensmedia.islesmedia.net/wale-hits-out-at-govt-neglect-on-issues-affecting-women-and-girls/

11/12/2025

NEW ERA FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH | The Ministry of Health and Health Services has launched the Women’s Leadership Initiative to empower women in Solomon Islands’ health sector. The program offers training, mentoring, and leadership opportunities to help women gain skills, confidence, and career growth. Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil said the initiative will promote safe workplaces, fair promotions, and flexible arrangements, with zero tolerance for harassment and violence. The launch celebrates women leaders and aims to improve healthcare across the country by having more women in leadership roles. The initiative signals a new era in health, with women’s leadership recognized and supported at all levels of the system.

Read More Here: https://womensmedia.islesmedia.net/empowering-women-in-health-a-new-era-dawns/

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Health Services Pauline McNeil delivering her speech.

11/12/2025

WOMEN LEAD HEALTH FORWARD | At the Women in Leadership Breakfast in Honiara's Heritage Park Hotel, Acting Australian High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel cheered on the Permanent Secretary’s Women’s Leadership Award, calling it a symbol of hope for women shaping Solomon Islands' health care. He highlighted how women are the heart of the health workforce—making up 70% globally but holding only 25% of top roles—and urged more leadership to boost maternal care and community well-being. "Women leaders prioritise maternal and child health care, champion preventative care and ensure resources reach those most in need," Schloeffel said, inspiring attendees like local nurse Sarah, who dreams of climbing higher to help her village. By empowering women, he stressed, health systems become stronger and fairer for everyone, urging partners to build lasting paths for future female leaders. This event sparked joy and ambition, showing how one award can change lives and communities.

Read More Here: https://womensmedia.islesmedia.net/australias-acting-australian-high-commissioner-champions-women-in-health-leadership/

10/12/2025

SHARLYN GAINS EXPERIENCE AT LAUNDRY MART | Sharlyn Wate, a 41-year-old employee at JW Laundry Mart Sparkle Splash, is recognized for her hard work and friendly character. She quickly adapted to her role, mastering laundry tasks and enjoying daily interactions with customers and coworkers. Sharlyn values her job for the friendships it fosters and its benefits for busy clients. Despite occasional challenges, she views mistakes as opportunities for growth. She emphasizes that laundry work imparts valuable life skills and promotes the idea that such jobs are significant in teaching responsibility and trustworthiness. JW Laundry Mart serves as a convenient solution for those unable to perform laundry at home, ensuring fast and reliable service.

Read More Here: https://womensmedia.islesmedia.net/sharlyns-dedication-and-work-experience-at-jw-laundry-mart/

10/12/2025

MWYCFA HOSTS MALAITA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WORKSHOP | The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) held a three-day workshop in Malaita Province to set up the Malaita Provincial Domestic Violence Counseling Committee (MPDVCC). The workshop brought together 18 participants — 8 women and 10 men — from different sectors to learn how to support victims of domestic violence, including men, women, and children. During the sessions, participants learned how to establish a provincial DVCC, register as official practitioners, and follow professional codes of ethics to provide confidential and quality counseling. MWYCFA stressed the importance of a strong provincial network to make sure survivors can access proper care and support. The new committee will play a key role in helping communities respond to domestic violence, offering guidance, protection, and support to those in need.

Photo credit @ Lesley Foinagwa – Isles Freelancer

09/12/2025

LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST HONOURS WOMEN IN HEALTH | The Ministry of Health and Medical Services held its inaugural Women in Health Leadership Breakfast this morning at the Heritage Park Hotel, celebrating women in the health sector and coinciding with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The event launched the Permanent Secretary’s Women’s Leadership Award to empower women in various health roles to take on leadership positions. Additionally, a new Women in Health Leadership Committee was formed to promote gender equity and career opportunities for women in the health system. Permanent Secretary Pauline McNeil emphasized the critical need to address the gender gap in health leadership, noting that only 4% of leadership roles are held by women. She advocated for inclusive growth opportunities and expressed the commitment of the Ministry and the Australian Government to support women’s leadership in health.

Photo credit @ Joy Ofasia – Isles Media Desk