MORE women from the government ministries, non-government organizations and stakeholders in Honiara have celebrated international women’s day yesterday in Honiara.
Despite the mid-morning heat the women kicked off their celebration with a a paraded from Honiara City Council which ended up at the SMI compound.
“Today, international women’s day had drawn women from all corners of Honiara, stakeholders and development partners to unite for a common goal.
“And that is to hear what the government has planned for women’s development and gender equality and the implementation of the plans to follow,” Director for Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Pauline Soaki said.
“It is important that the theme: Promise for Fairness, Zero Discrimination is highlighted for us to make the commitment,” she added.
Mrs Soaki highlighted that nearly half of the country’s population are women (49.23%) according to the World Bank report 2014, yet women do not share half of the wealth, resources and voice.
She said that it is good that women and men can pledge to take a concrete step to help achieve gender parity more quickly, whether to help women and girls their ambitions, call for gender-balanced leadership, respect and value difference, develop more inclusive and flexible cultures or root out workplace bias.
“Each of us can be a leader within our own spheres of influence and commit to take pragmatic to accelerate gender party.
“Let us promise fairness for this country,” she said.
The program is very enjoyable for women who attended yesterday.
It was attended by government officials, women organizations and other stakeholders in the country.
The programme will close tomorrow.
By LESLEY SANGA
