Seventeen male Australia Awards Solomon Islands alumni have successfully completed a two-day workshop focused on preventing violence against women in local communities and advancing gender equality.

Through this initiative, the Australia Awards Solomon Islands is investing in alumni leadership and equipping change-makers to create a safer, more equal future for all Solomon Islanders.

The workshop titled “Men for Safer Communities: Global Skills for Local Change” brought together alumni committed to becoming allies in building safer, more inclusive, and respectful communities across the Solomon Islands.

Through interactive sessions, open dialogue, and practical skill-building, alumni explored how to challenge harmful gender norms, promote gender equality, and drive meaningful social change.

Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton, commended the initiative and encouraged Australia Awards Alumni to continue championing safer communities and gender equity in their spheres of influence. 

“As men, we have a responsibility to stand up alongside women in challenging harmful gender norms and defending equality for all ” 

Australia Awards alumni and Chief Education Officer for Isabel Province, James Evo said, these two days were a worthwhile learning experience.

“I came to realise that we must treat women equally in decision-making. Given the violence some men are causing, we must take responsibility, control it, and ensure fairness and respect for women is always upheld,” Evo said.

According to a 2023 report by the International Center for Advocates Against Discrimination (ICAAD), gender-based violence in the Solomon Islands severely impacts women and girls, with most victims being young females.  

74% of victims are girls aged 12 to 14, and 76.9% of sexual violence cases involve female minors. 

As a part of the training, participants develop individual action plans to demonstrate their commitment to supporting women and preventing violence in their communities, workplaces and homes.