Solomon Islands assures Beijing +30 conference of its commitment to addressing gender-based violence

By Fredrick Kusu in Bangkok, Thailand

Solomon Islands has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing gender-based violence.

Director of Women at the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Vaela Falefehi Devesi told the Ministerial Conference on the Beijing +30 Review in Bangkok that Solomon Islands advocates for coordinated efforts with Pacific countries to combat gender-based violence.

“Given the nature of the issue, the Solomon Islands advocates for increased and coordinated efforts with neighbouring countries and regional organizations including the Pacific Islands Forum and the Pacific Community in combating violence against women and girls including its prevention and to prioritize women’s voices in all decision-making processes.”

Despite these commitments, current efforts to combat gender-based violence in the country remains futile.

This is due to the little efforts made to deliver gender-based violence to the rural and remote areas in the country.

One associated factor is climate change and natural disaster.

Ms Falefehi said such barriers to require efforts to combat gender-based violence are resilient to stand against global uncertainty.

“Expanding our gender-based violence services into our rural and remote areas poses challenges including climate change and natural disasters.”

“It is critical that our support systems are resilient, flexible and context specific.”

While she does not duel further, Ms Falefehi claimed that the enforcement of the Family Protection Act, the vital tool to respond against gender-based violence remains a challenge.

Despite these set backs, the Women Director assured the conference of Solomon Islands remains stead fast in its commitment to eliminate all forms of violence and enhance women’s rights and dignity.

The Ministerial Conference on the Beijing +30 Review held in Bangkok from 19 to 21 November brought together Civil Society Organizations, young feminists and government representatives to discuss the way forward to implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action towards gender equality.

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This story was produced with the support from the UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office.