Australia Supports Solomon Islands Women
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Frank Ingruber, called on both women and men to support Tuesday’s 100th
International Women’s Day celebrations in Solomon Islands.
“International Women’s Day is one day, each year, where people around the world come together to commemorate the
achievements of women and, in particular, their vital role in development,” Mr Ingruber said.
Mr Ingruber urged Australians living and working here to join their Solomon Islands brothers and sisters and celebrate
ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in their communities.
“History shows that women in Solomon Islands have played an important role in peace, in development and in strengthening
their families, communities and country,” he said.
“The experience across the world is that a stronger role for women in political, economic and social life means stronger
nations.”
Mr Ingruber said that on International Women’s Day, Australia reaffirmed its commitment to support two key Solomon
Island Government policies – Gender Equality and Women’s Development, and Eliminating Violence Against Women.
“Australia will continue to work with relevant government ministries, NGOs and others to deliver services, advance
Millennium Development Goals and improve the lives of women,” Mr Ingruber said.
Australia is already providing support towards this year’s theme, Equal access to education, training and science and
technology: Pathway to decent work for women.
Mr Inguber said the recent efforts of MPs’ wives coming together to support local health clinics showed that women from
all levels of society are about action in meeting basic needs and building a stronger, fairer and more prosperous
Solomon Islands.
“Australia is also providing significant assistance to the health sector, to improve the health of women and girls,” he
said.
“Our approach is to support the whole health sector and strengthen the Ministry of Health’s ability to deliver health
services to people in rural areas.”
Mr Ingruber said that today Solomon Islands women should stand tall and be proud of the achievements of the last year,
but there was much work to be done.
ENDS