THE Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWCFA) and the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) Embassy celebrated the International Women’s Day in Honiara on Friday.
They marked the event at the University of South Pacific (USP) Honiara Campus, East Honiara.
The celebration coincided with the second day celebration of the Chinese Film Festival.
The PRC Embassy screened a film titled: “Ordinary Heroes” that captures the extraordinary power of the ordinary people.
Based on a true story, the film recounts the heart-stopping rescue of a young boy whose arm was severely injured in a remote village and against the clock, a diverse group of individuals – villagers, pilots, air hostesses, doctors, and strangers – come together across from different ethnicities, professions and geographies to save his life.
PRC Ambassador Cai Weiming said while the story is one of collective heroism, it is the women in this narrative who embody the quiet strength and compassion that drive humanity forward.
“This IWD, we gather to celebrate the International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the immeasurable contributions of women, celebrating their resilience, and reaffirming our shared commitment to a world where equality is not just an ideal, but also a lived reality,” he said.
He said in China, women constitute over 26 per-cent of deputies in the National People’s Congress, which ensures their voices shape the laws and policies of the nation.
Ambassador said beyond politics, women are redefining possibilities in every field.
“Here in Solomon Islands, we see the same indomitable spirit in your women. There outstanding female MPs, ministers and entrepreneurs who work for the advancement of the country, and more hard working mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters for the progress of the society.
“The women in Solomon Islands are writing their own chapters of courage and innovation. China deeply admires these efforts, and we are committed to standing alongside Solomon Islands as partners in this vital endeavour,” he added.
The Chinese quoted the Chinese President Xi Jinping that “Every woman is a writer of times, a chaser of her dreams.”
“This IWD, let’s honour the ordinary heroes among us – the women in Solomon Islands and China who hold families together, drive economy forward, and heal societies with their grace and gift. Let us work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind where no ceiling limits women’s potential, where every girl can grow into the hero of her own story,” he said.
The MWYCFA Minister Freda Tuki said IWD is a day for them to think about all the good things women have done and also to learn from their past.
She said it is a global celebration of every woman, no matter her background, religion or status.
This year’s IWD theme is: “Accelerating Action: For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”.
Minister said this theme “is a message that calls for action. It challenges all of us to work faster and harder to solve issues related to gender equality in the Solomon Islands.”
She announced that her ministry will hold a three-day IWD as of today at the National Auditorium.
Minister Tuki said it will be three days of fun and will also include a charity drive to buy wheelchairs for the Gynae Ward at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
