Statement from the Solomon Islands
Statement by the Honourable Hilda Karl MP, Minister for Women, Youth and Sports, and Head of the Solomon Islands Delegation to the 23rd Special Session of the UN General Assembly
Women 2000: Gender Equality, Development and Peace for the Twenty-First Century
June 8, 2000

Mr. President,

At the outset may I congratulate you on your election as President of the twenty-third special session of the United Nations General Assembly to review and appraise the implementation of the Beijing, Platform for Action and to recommit the international community to the principles of the Beijing Declaration. Consistency and continuity are important, if women and men are to see themselves as equal partners at all levels, from the family to decision making at the public level, as well as in the private sector.

I would like to pay tribute to those women and men, who since 1946 and following the establishment of the Commission on the Status of Women, labored with determination in advocating women's rights and advancement. Since then eight more conferences were held, and this twenty-third special session is the ninth of such important international fora. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of this occasion, to reflect on the achievements as well as the constraints of implementing the Beijing Platform for Action. My delegation is confident that under your able leadership, this event will provide the impetus for the successful implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in the future.

Mr. President,

The major constraints that hinder the successful implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in my ,country are obvious. Among them are the high rate of illiteracy and the lack of resources and; capacity. About 48% of our population is women. However, only 17% are literate. Accessing formal education is a major problem for women. While school enrolment figures for girls are increasing they are still among the lowest in our region. Eradication of illiteracy through education and training is key to the successful implementation of the Platform for Action in the future. Experience has shown that investment in girls' education translates directly and quickly into-better nutrition for the whole family, better health care, smaller families, poverty reduction and better overall economic performance. Additionally, without financial resources and trained personnel, wider and timely implementation of women's programs and projects at the national level, in particular in the rural areas is a daunting task: Current economic and financial difficulties have also impacted on our ability to advance the women's agenda at the national level, particularly in the rural areas.

Equally important is the need for coherent coordination and determination among the various government agencies and non-governmental organizations, including church groups. The church network reaches all communities and in a lot of areas, is the only formal assistance available. It is a crucial means through which adequate funding and programmes should be channeled and implemented to ensure that assistance reaches those in real need. Solidarity among our women will be a vital determinant of progress.

Mr. President,

Realizing the importance of women's participation and to facilitate the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action, my Government established the Department of Women, Youth and Sports as well as a Child Care and Social Welfare Unit within the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development. Under the Government's general statement of policies (1997 2001) the following are emphasized:

* Promotion and support of women's participation in decision making and national development
* Encouraging policy development for women;
* Facilitation of appropriate training programmes for all women at all levels,
* Facilitation of the flow of information, communication and linkages to rural women,
* Coordination of women's projects and activities in government
* Liaison with NGOs and
* Introduction of legislation to protect women's interests;

Furthermore at he Beginning of 1999, a policy matrix for women containing; key result areas, policy actions, variable indicators, and timeframes and responsibilities, was developed. The goal is to enhance the level of women's participation in the development process.

The most significant action is my Government's endorsement and adoption of the Solomon Islands National Women's Policy in 1999. This is a major milestone for women in my country, considering its sad rejection six times within a period of ten years by past Governments. This policy is not only a translation of the relevant constitutional provisions but also accommodates twelve critical areas of the Beijing Platform for Action.

Mr. President;

While maternal and infant mortality death rates have decreased they are still high by developed worl standards. The promotion of maternal and child health care and family planning by strengthening the Maternal Child Health Care Unit of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, will be a major component of government plans. Above all, attitudes towards family panning require further improvement and family planning services need to be made readily available.

In relation to women and human rights, the Solomon Islands national Constitution provides for the equal rights and freedoms for every citizen regardless of gender. It also embraces the principles of unity and justice. A number of women's organizations are therefore currently undertaking awareness-raising activities, educating women about their rights especially legal rights to protection from all forms of violence against women. Similar initiatives are required to address the increasing problems of alcohol abuse, domestic and sexual violence and family breakups. My Government is committed to introducing legislation to address these problems.

Solomon Islands a State party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child is striving to fulfill its obligations ions under this Convention. We are working closely with various organizations in advocating the rights of the child, including the girl child. With the establishment of child advocacy focal point within the Department of Women, Youth and Sports, the government will put in place activities that will promote the girl child in our society. Our national youth policy which has recently been adopted covers many concerns of young women and girls.

I am also pleased to announce in this Assembly that my government has decided to accede to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The instrument of accession will be deposited shortly.

Mr. President,

Despite the efforts of my Government, women are still under-represented at policy and management levels in both the public and private sectors, the NGOs and churches. There is a great need to create political awareness, through the education of women, to increase their participation in the political process, including voting.

The media can be a useful tool in this regard. This year in March, I spoke on the Communication Challenge, and I appealed to the Commonwealth Secretariat to mount a special diploma programme in communication. This would be a programme to graduate young people who are articulate, who have the skills and motivations of critical analysis, who have technical skills, can use the new information technology, can lead public debate, who can venture into investigative journalism and who understand the importance of human rights.

Mr. President;

At the subsistence level, women continue to be the major food producers and therefore play a very important role in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Their role in food sufficiency and food security at the family level is vital. Several initiatives are underway, including a Farmer Support Program that has a `Women Enterprise Development' component, which directly assists women.

The current ethnic tension in the country has caused tremendous difficulties for women and children on Guadalcanal and Malaita Provinces. It has resulted in the disruption of food supplies, the repatriation of women, children and their families from one province to another; closure of medical clinics and schools - depriving access to health services and education; and restrictions on the movement of people. As Minister responsible for Youth I called for peace and reconciliation in my Mother's Day Message on May 14`h. Our women have also held a major conference advocating peace and adopted a Communique reflecting our concerns.
As the result of the ethnic tension and the increasing unemployment situation, poverty is becoming more evident in Honiara and children are the worst hit. In collaboration with UNDP, the government is currently implementing a Monitoring and Planning project for the Vulnerable.

Finally, Mr. President, international policy responses to resolve the formidable challenges of globalization and to utilize its benefits must take into account the concerns and needs of women. The advancement of women must be an integral part of our efforts to revitalize international cooperation and to address these challenges. Education is the key to effective participation in the new global economy, from primary education to life-long learning. It is central to sustainable development, social progress and human freedom. That is why the empowerment of women is critical. That is why educating the whole population is crucial. That is why educating the girl child is a must.

My government's underlining principle will continue to be "partnership in development". We should take pride in having men and women as equal partners and that by working together they can make a difference in the advancement of our country.

Let us all use this occasion to genuinely recommit ourselves to the principles of the Beijing Declaration and to work collectively towards the full realization of the objectives of the Beijing Platform for Action, in the twenty-first century.

I thank you, Mr. President.