SOLOMON Islands pageant show is a platform created to promote the rights of women in the country.
Minister for the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) David Tome highlighted this when speaking at the 2016 Miss Solomon Islands Pageant Crowning on Saturday night at the Coral Sea Resort & Casino Hotel in Honiara.
“This event creates an opportunity to promote the rights of women in this country,” he said.
Mr Tome said, that includes the right to be heard, the right to draw attention, the right to demonstrate the capabilities of women, the right to showcase the talents of women, the right to speak on issues of national interests and the right to contribute solutions to socio-economic and political problems.
“The young lady who will wear the Mission Solomons Crown tonight (Saturday night) will progress on to represent our country at the 2016 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Apia Samoa this December.
“This is how the Miss Solomon Islands Pageant provides a springboard so as an opportunity for our young girls to represent Solomon Islands in the international arena,” he said.
He said, the pageant also represents the space and time for women to promote their respective provinces, communities and families to the country.
“Similarly, the event itself brings with it the opportunity for our women to promote our country and the beauty of our people and diverse cultures to the outside world.”
Mr Tome said the representation of women highlights the country hence the Miss SI Pageant is a significant event to advocate for the women of Solomon Islands.
He mentioned that the event establishes a special platform that these young women can utilize to advocate for women’s issues such as empowerment of women, women against violence, women in business, education for women and women in leadership.
“Advocacy in these contexts is important because it leads to empowerment.”
By STEPHEN DIISANGO
