Dear Editor – On Thursday 13th Feb 2014, whilst travelling to work, I listened to the car radio. I was drawn to the voice of a woman speaking in English and saying “Mr Speaker” a few times.
As I listened closely, I realised the radio was broadcasting some kind of a debate. Then I recalled a story in the Star the other day about some women training perhaps to contest the National Elections later this year.
I commend the bravery of those women now in boot camp preparing for the elections. But bravery alone will not cut it.
Women need much more than workshops and mock debates.
I am rather bemused about the strategy of women doing mock Parliament. I have never heard of intending male candidates in the past doing mock Parliament.
In a democratic country in which men and women have equal opportunities, sisters, we cannot bend the rules simply for our convenience.
My view is that women ought to try and defeat their male rivals at their own game. Rather than opting for reserve seats, women candidates ought to get out in their communities and try to win hearts and minds.
Debating in mock Parliament is a total waste of time. Debate drae nomoa. Why not go to the people in your communities and hold meetings to educate the voters on what you stand for.
It appears many of our political sisters are Honiara-based and so out of touch with Solomon reality that they think they could change things from Honiara. No wonder things haven’t moved much for womenkind in this country.
Thus far the women strategy is “much ado about nothing.” What a shame sisters. Better put your act together. Otherwise we might only hear “four more years” olketa mere when the elections are over.
Jennifer Wiki
Panatina
East Honiara
