Solomon Islands Begins Fight Against Violence

Yesterday evening, Solomon Islands joined the rest of the World in officially opening the '16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence' in Honiara.

Attended by hundreds of men, women, youths and children, the programme began with a parade from the Kukum Hot Bread Kitchen to the Lawson Tama field, where the program was held.

This was then followed by the lighting of 16 candles by the Prime Minister, Dr. Derek Sikua and his wife, Madam Doris Sikua, followed by a two minute silence to commemorate those who died from and are victims of Domestic Violence.

Other highlights included appearances by local singing icon, Sharzy and the youth drama group, Dance with the Devil.

Despite the rain, the message was quite clear; "Stop Violence against Women and Children" and for the first time, Solomon Islanders have come out together in full force in the fight against Domestic Violence.

The 16 Days Activism is jointly sponsored by UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, Ministry of Health, Family Support Centre, and other key stakeholders.

Solomon Times has been told that this is only the beginning of awareness and campaign against Domestic Violence, as more activities will be carried throughout the 16 Days, to end on 10th of December which is the Human Rights Day.