YOUNG women are facing more challenges than young men when it comes to decision making and leadership, says the acting Director of the Youth Development department, within the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.
Mr Andre Tipoki highlighted this when presenting his keynote address during the opening of the Youth Forum, which was organized by Save the Children at the Saint Barnabas Cathedral on Wednesday.
“This is due to our local culture, attitudes, available opportunities, and the lack of support.
“Young women face greater challenges compared to young men when it comes to decision – making and leadership because of cultural practises, attitudes, limited opportunities and lack of support for young women to pursue their goals.
“Young women can often find themselves in a situation that compromises their health and professional development because they are not able to negotiate and make decisions for their overall well-being,” Mr Tipoki said.
He added that policy responses will need to advance gender equality, as the empowerment of women is vital for achieving development goals, and for boosting economic growth and sustainable development.
Mr Tipoki also said, that there is a need to take into account social structures, as these can have a cross cutting effect on vulnerability.
The acting director also reiterated the goal of Solomon Islands National Youth Policy (SINYP) 2010 – 2015, which is; “To promote the development of Solomon Islands youths to achieve their full potentials through a range of programmes and activities that offer choices and assist them to make informed decisions about their futures and their roles and responsibilities in the political, social and economic development of the Solomon Islands.”
He stated that the success of the youth forum is an achievement of the implementation of the youth policy through the support that Save the Children rendered towards the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
