The International Women’s Day theme of Inspiring Inclusion was discussed in a series of related activities to mark the occasion in the Solomon Islands.
The Australian and New Zealand Defence Force members, as part of the Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF), talked with locals about what would benefit the women and their community.
The most common priority identified was workshops on first aid. They also expressed the need for classes in floral arranging, sewing and cooking.
As a result, the defence personnel were able to establish a range of events to support women and allow them to feel empowered as they contributed to their respective communities.
The first program implemented into the Fox Hill community was women and children’s first aid awareness. This was well received, and allowed Solomon Islands women to educate the ADF and NZDF members about bush medicine, such as banana leaf splinting.
The aim of the program was to enable the women of Fox Hill to teach the men of the community while consolidating their own learning. The women were presented with a certificate of their first aid awareness training.
Another popular event was a floral arrangement course implemented with the Dominican Sisters.
They explained the planning requirements, acquisition of equipment, and the conduct for the creation of floral arrangements.
Participants said they were important for church services, weddings and special occasions.
“I never would have thought my time in the Solomon Islands would include learning how to make floral arrangements,” Australian Army Captain Erin Moriarty said.
“But the opportunity to participate in a unique women’s event made me feel closer to my Solomon Islands sisters and understand the culture we are working in.”
Sister Hilda, of the Dominican Sisters, said: “You are our white sisters; we are your black sisters. We are coming together under this roof and under God to make a beautiful thing.”
She said such events would encourage women in communities to take pride in their gardens to grow and produce flowers they could take to their local churches, or sell for profit and financially contribute to their community.
