Embracing The Challenges, Building Equality

There’s not a lot of women on construction sites around Solomon Islands – but that is changing.

At the heart of the construction site for the new Australian-funded Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre (BUHC), you’ll find Leading Hand Daisy Rodie supervising blockwork and a team of 12.

Daisy oversees the mixing, pouring and laying of all brick work for the $250 million health centre, and ensures strict adherence to the construction plan, and work health and safety regulations.

Daisy Rodie overseeing blockwork at the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre

“I have to identify tools for the various tasks and ensure precision and quality in the block work being laid by the team,” Daisy explains.

In March 2024, Daisy was one of 18 young women graduating with construction qualifications under the Australian-supported program – the first ever gender-targeted construction program in Solomon Islands.

Under the program, the women completed a Certificate II - Construction with the Australia Pacific Training Coalition, followed by solar power systems training at Solomon Islands National University.

Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the program had uncovered a talented pool of women wanting to learn a trade and enter the male-dominated construction industry.

“Nine months on, half the women have gone on to paid employment, including on two current Australian-funded projects, Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre and Buala Market.,” High Commissioner Hilton said.

“We’re very excited for women like Daisy who, with a little help from Australia, have taken their talents to the next level, and are now making real contributions to major infrastructure projects being delivered around the country under the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership.”

The Naha BUHC will be the first health facility outside the National Referral Hospital to offer birthing services and is currently on track to open in 2026.

“With good weather and great engagement from the community, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Honiara City Council, the large centre is starting to take shape,” High Commissioner Hilton said.

“We have over 50 Solomon Islanders working hard on the project, including 10 women.”

“Every day now, we get closer to the delivery of a first-class health centre built to last and providing community with birthing services, an operating theatre, x-ray and ultrasound facilities, and dental and eye health services.”

With slab pouring of the first level about to start, Daisy says every day is busy, but that quality and safety remain the number one focus.

The Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre is currently on schedule, with the centre on track to open in 2026.

“In my previous experience, safety was often overlooked, in favour of completing tasks quickly,” Daisy said.

“With this project, I’ve developed a greater appreciation for safety measures and checks in construction work.”

She said the Green Construction Training Program has given her the confidence to lead teams and manage the quality checks required – but that the challenges of a male-dominated sector remain.

“Working in a male-dominated industry is challenging but rewarding. Sometimes there is resistance to feedback or corrections,” she says with a smile.

“But my advice to other women is to maintain a strong mindset, focus on your goals, and embrace the challenges as part of your personal growth journey.”

Media Release | AHC