3 April 2012
Stori Weitem Olketa Meri – ‘a talk with women’ in Solomon Islands
The visiting Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, called for an end to violence against women and children and encouraged woman to run for parliament during her ‘talk with women’ in Solomon Islands.
While in Honiara, Ms Bryce participated in ‘a talk with women’ at Solomon Islands Parliament where several hundred women gathered for the ‘Stori Weitem Olketa Meri’ women’s leadership forum.
On arrival at Parliament, Ms Bryce was greeted by ‘kastom’ dancers who escorted her into the main chamber. After being welcomed by Solomon Islands Speaker, Sir Alan Kamekeza, the forum began with four Solomon Island women who shared their stories.
Sister Doreen from the Christian Care Centre spoke on violence against women and children and the centre’s role in helping victims of violence. Julie Haro from Women in Business shared her insights to the challenges faced by women doing business in a male dominated community. Natalina Hong from the Women’s Parliamentary Group spoke on the challenges women face in politics and student Christina Ora spoke about climate change and the survival of the islands for future generations.
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HE Ms Quentin Bryce with (L-R) Sister Doreen, Julie Haro, Natalina Hong, and Christina Ora.
Ms Bryce responded with her story. She said that she first met Solomon Islands women when she was at boarding school in Brisbane.
“At the time, I used to listen in wonder to their stories of culture and tradition, their beautiful singing in perfect harmonies. They spoke with respect of ‘Kastom’, shell money, spirits and taboos. My imagination was fired up and I thought how exciting it would be to be surrounded by sparkling sea and tropical palms.”
“I was energised and inspired by the power of women working together with a plan, a vision and lots of hard work and determination. That is the story of the women’s movement in my country, in yours, and around the world. I have learnt again and again that whoever we are, wherever we come from, whatever our backgrounds, women share powerful bonds across language, culture, race, religion.”
Ms Bryce said women’s voices must be heard.
“We have so much to contribute to every sphere – to economic, social, political and cultural life. Experiences, views, opinions that are valuable and important in solving problems and planning for the future.”
“I am pleased to be addressing you today in this place, and I hope that in future, women will sit in this chamber as Members of Parliament. I encourage you to continue to be wise and inspiring leaders of your community.”
“I came here today to listen to your stories. To express my admiration and respect for all you have achieved, and to encourage you in your next steps.”
She listened to further stories from Dr Alice Pollard, founder of the West Are’Are Rokotanikeni Association (WARA) - a rural-based volunteer women’s organisation which helps women to manage their finances and budget for household items to save for their family’s future.
Ms Bryce then launched two booklets on women’s financial literary produced by WARA that were jointly sponsored by the International Women’s Development Agency (of which the Governor General is patron) and the Australian High Commission’s direct aid program.
Ms Bryce was visiting Solomon Islands on the final leg of her visit to eight neighbouring Pacific countries. On arrival in Honiara, Ms Bryce received a ceremonial challenge by Solomon Island warriors before being escorted by pan pipers to the dais for the national anthem and guard of honour by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.