Features Archive September 2021

Companies with a more gender-balanced workforce that take steps to address family and sexual violence have more positive results.

The Role of the Private Sector in Addressing Family and Sexual Violence

There is increasing evidence that the private sector can and should play a key role in responding to gender-based violence, and that doing so makes good business sense.
For countries still struggling to cope with the pandemic and its economic fallout the effects of inflation on food security could be significant.

The COVID-19 Crisis and Rising Food Prices, a Year On

Food prices are rising across the world. What initially seemed to be a temporary spike as supply chains shut down in the early days of the pandemic now appears to be here to stay.
The tok stori revealed a lack of awareness of how climate change effected women in both rural and urban settings in Solomon Islands.

Tok Stori, Climate Change and Gender in Solomon Islands

In Solomon Islands, tok stori is a culturally accepted method of sharing information, generating knowledge and learning.
Women from Solomon Islands smile as they hold up clams. A new study says that well-being of South Pacific islanders remained steady despite the drop in tourism.

South Pacific Islanders Stay Afloat Despite Losing Tourists

Although COVID-19 lockdowns severely affected the financial wellbeing of people dependent on tourism, the social, mental and physical well-being of South Pacific islanders living in the region's main tourist destinations actually showed improvements, according to a study.
Kina’s Westpac Offer Finally Rejected – What’s Next?

Kina’s Westpac Offer Finally Rejected – What’s Next?

This week, PNG’s Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) rejected the acquisition of Westpac PNG by Kina Securities (the owner of Kina Bank) in its final determination.
Survey results show that seventy-one percent (71%) of businesses have postponed expansion/investment decisions due to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis while twenty-nine percent (29%) stated no expansion and/or investment decisions have been made.

“COVID Effect” on Business Investment and Expansion

Uncertainty remains one of the biggest challenge businesses operating in the Solomon Islands face during this COVID-19 global pandemic.
This massive international effort turned into the largest coral reef survey and mapping expedition in history, as the Foundation responded to requests from countries to study their coral reefs.

Living Oceans Foundation Completes the Largest Coral Reef Survey and Mapping Expedition in History

Coral reefs around the world are rapidly declining due to various natural and anthropogenic factors, including climate change, overfishing, pollution, and coastal development.
UN high-level advisory board urges international solidarity to prevent the COVID-19 crisis from pushing countries further apart.

Top Economists Warn COVID-19 Impacts Will be Severe and Long-lasting for Developing Countries

The multilateral system has to fundamentally change in the spirit of international solidarity to confront the severe impacts of COVID-19, according to members of the United Nations High-level Advisory Board on Economic and Social Affairs.
Schoolchildren in front of the Samburu school.

What Does Education Look Like for Kenya’s Samburu People?

Education, healthcare services, a roof over our heads, and regular meals are just some of the things that Westerners take for granted. However, around the world, particularly in Africa, there are millions of people for whom these things are a luxury.
Kastom Gaden Association, a local civil society organisation, has not only provided seeds during the current period of restrictions in Honiara, but has also acted as a training provider and information centre for local communities.

Can ‘Survival Gardens’ Ensure Pacific Food Security

In Solomon Islands and throughout the Pacific, COVID-19 and the climate crisis have emphasised the need for home gardens as a way to bolster food security and community survival, Darryn McEvoy, Serene Ho, John Clemo, Lorraine Livia, and Josephine Teakeni write.