WE need women in Parliament.
This was the message highlighted by Election awareness group, the Gao/Bugotu Team 4 Change during their two-week visit to Gao/Bugotu Constituency in Isabel Province.
Team leader Ender Fafoi Rence said during the two week tour, the team stressed the importance of having women in Parliament, adding that such would be in the best interest of nation building and development.
Ms Rence highlighted the importance of gender equality in the country, adding that such was an area so often over looked during National Elections.
“The situation for Solomon Islands now is women and girls are unequally represented in most sectors in the country. The 2009 national population census report found out that women and girls are still lagging behind in terms of education employment.
“Thus with the nation on the verge of polling day, we feel that it is important we start thinking about bridging the gap in engaging women as policy makers to make good and strong laws with men in Parliament.
“By doing so, it gives the opportunity for vulnerable groups such as women and children to have their voices and concerns be heard in Parliament and at a national level,” Ms Rence said.
Ms Rence said that its time that women be voted into Parliament to help make decisions with men.
She added that not only is this relevant for Gao Bugotu Constituency, but also for others in the country.
“We believe that women should be given the opportunity to lead and be part of national decision making,” Ms Rence said.
By JEREMY INIFIRI
