Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands – Sustainable Development

Women are to be seen, but not to be heard; life for most here is still determined by the male members of the family’ says Jennifer Tugunau, local project coordinator.

The Solomon Islands are re-building after three years of armed conflict where an estimated 50,000 people lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones. Between 1999 and 2001, violence and guns ruled the lives of many Solomon Islanders. They lost access to essential services such as health care and potable water. The worsening situation angered many, especially the women because it not only destroyed what little livelihood they had but it also endangered their lives and the lives of their families and neighbours. The anger however, did not result in another violent confrontation. Instead women decided to use their energy productively to rebuild their communities and restore the peace and serenity that they once had. The Solomon Islands Community Capacity and Sustainability Development Project assists women to find ways to actively participate in their respective communities. Women are fundamental to peace initiatives in the Solomon Islands.

‘Women can contribute to positive change in this country’ says Jennifer. ‘They have been recognized as bringing warring parties together during the ethnic unrest. Without them, peace would not have come so soon.’

Jennifer Tagunau was standing on a hilltop with Margaret and her two month old daughter one quiet afternoon. After a brief moment Margaret broke the silence ‘You know I came here when I had one child and now I have three. My family does not know this and I don’t know where they are now.’ From the hilltop they could see the view of Guadalcanal Island, Margaret’s home. The home she was unable to return to after the civil conflict. Along with her husband and child, Margaret was forced to flee her home because her husband’s life was in danger. As they were about to leave the hilltop, Margaret took another glance at the horizon, turned to her infant daughter and made a solemn promise ‘one day, child, I’ll take you there.’
Jennifer could not begin to imagine how Margaret felt. She is a strong woman who makes enormous sacrifices to ensure that her family is together and happy. With the support of IWDA, local project facilitators work with many women like Margaret to improve their quality of life. By facilitating local opportunities for education, women improve their livelihoods by showing them how to fully utilise their natural resources, and by giving women a chance to discuss their issues and develop a plan of action.

Project Summary:

Building opportunities for sustainable and self reliant communities:
IWDA, with AusAID funding, is working in collaboration with Live and Learn Environmental Education and APHEDA – Union Aid Abroad to assist Solomon Islanders to shape a positive future for themselves. The Solomon Islands Community Capacity and Sustainability Development Project is a three year project focused on three key areas:

1. Environment and Peace – through forums and learning circles to train teachers, women and the youth in environmental management and protection in recognition of the role that resources play in maintaining peace and stability.
2. Opportunities for Youth – Create livelihood opportunities for young members of the community and provide skill development courses. Satisfying young people’s training and development needs will have a significant impact on shaping the future of their communities.
3. Women – Give women a voice to express their concerns and dreams for the future and guide through the process of taking actions to fulfill these needs.

Development is promoted in a way that respects local culture and values, by using local facilitators and forming ‘learning circles’ comprising people from the community. These self-directed discussion groups are an avenue for youth people, including women to talk about issues affecting their communities and take action for positive change.

This project has finished.

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 1st, 2005 under Solomon Islands.