Women's Week Officially Opened

The Women's Week was officially opened yesterday at the Cultural Village in Honiara.

The event began with a parade beginning at the Honiara Town Council area to the Cultural Village, where all kinds of activities will be held for the week long celebrations.

Participating in the march were women officers from RAMSI, PPF, Prison Service, National Council of Women, Church groups and women from other associations.

Speaking at the official opening at the Cultural Village was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Youth and Children, Ms. Ethel Sigimanu.

Relating to the event's theme for this year, 'Equip and Empower Girls and Women for Challenge', Ms. Sigimanu said that the theme speaks of many things faced by all women.

Ms. Sigimanu said that the theme points mostly of the continual suppression of women, "not only here in the Solomon Islands but throughout the world."

She stated that it is also awareness for women to be fully equipped in preparation for any challenge that they may face.

She urged the National Council of Women to be constantly aware of the problems faced by the women of this country.

"The NCW must also place a key priority on the need to be relevant to the changing times which many we now face," she added.

Meanwhile, Ms. Sigimanu acknowledged the NCW for organizing the event and the one week celebration for women around Honiara.

She encouraged women and said that this week will be an opportunity for them to mingle and expand their network. She adds, "I urge every one of us to take every possible chance to make use of this week's activities by sharing each others skills, talents and concerns."