GIRLS in Solomon Islands are silently facing challenges daily due to inaccessibility to safe channels to voice their concerns.
That’s according to the Country Program Manager of Plan International Solomon Islands, Clement Manuri.
Speaking to Solomon Star after the International Day of Girls (IDG) event held at the Kilupania Resort recently, Mr Manuri highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces for girls, emphasizing that their well-being extends beyond times of conflict to everyday situations.
“Our girls silently endure issues in their day-to-day lives, and often lack avenues to express their concerns. Public spaces, transport, and schools must be places where girls feel safe and protected,” he said.
Mr Manuri said girls are facing issues and sometimes they cannot access the right direction and channels to voice them out.
“And so, this day is special. Apart from International Women’s Day, girls are categorized differently in which they are more vulnerable as well,” he added.
Established by the United Nations in 2012, the International Day of Girl is observed annually with a different theme to highlight key challenges and opportunities for girls.
The celebration for this year was organized in partnership with Plan International Solomon Islands and the Girls Taking Action on Climate Change (GTACC) Project and it reflects the need for girls to actively engage in addressing the issues that affect them.
“This event provides girls with the chance to step up and speak out not just about conflict-related issues but also the everyday challenges they face.
‘’Through this platform, they are gaining valuable insights, sharing knowledge and interacting directly with stakeholders who can make a difference,’’ he added.
Mr Manuri added that key stakeholders, such as Social Welfare, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Government Ministries, media and other key stakeholders who attended the event, had the opportunity to learn from GTACC participants, whose experiences shed light on the realities young girls face across the country.
He called on leaders and decision-makers to engage in dialogue with young girls to address the specific challenges they encounter.
“We are looking forward to working with decision-makers, especially in areas where young girls are directly impacted, to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met,” he said.
The IDG event highlighted the need for stronger collaborations between communities, government, and organizations to protect girls and empower them to thrive in all aspects of life.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
