Women need a Chance.

Give women a chance because there is no vision when men only see one side, and decisions are incomplete if women are not involved to maintain political balance for the betterment of Solomon Islands. “Consider and tryout the women who are running for this year’s national general election and in the future,” Mrs. Audrey Manu, National Coordinator, Gender Equality and Political Governance Program, UNIFEM echoed this message to the people of Solomon Islands yesterday in Honiara. Speaking to the local media yesterday, Mrs. Manu said women could make changes by putting equality at the heart of government, “this will promote equality that would create a fair and more thriving nation.” “Whether they choose to run independents or party representatives, they (women) decide to contest these years election because they believe they could make a difference and equal participation in decision making,” Mrs. Manu said. Interim Country Project Coordinator with UNIFEM, Val Stanley affirmed that, the representation of women makes it easier to pass legislation concerning women and girls, particularly in the areas of basic services and human rights such as health and education. Stanley further stated that, education, health, development, economic, gender matters and crime against women and children are some key areas women can improve if given the chance in the national level. She also added that women have been long recognized as a catalyst in bringing social cohesion and should therefore be increasingly represented in decision making bodies in the country. “Women consolidate peace through a high sense of community well-being, a sustained commitment towards the improvement of the social environment and human solidarity, and a more democratic and transparent approach to governance,” Stanley confidently said. National Express understands that Solomon Islands women make up 49 percent of the population yet, since independence in 1978 only one woman has held one of the 50 National Parliament seats, currently there is no women in the parliament. At the provincial level, there are only six women in the Provincial Assemblies, contributing to a total of just 9 female Provincial Assembly Members since independence. Meanwhile, Mrs. Manu confidently resound, “Please give women a chance,” women believe they can make a difference to their lives, the lives of their family and the nation if they are supported in their efforts. According to the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission’s Office, there are 36 women contesting this year’s national general election.