ADB Report Highlights Progress and Challenges for Women in Higher Education in SI

A report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has shed light on the significant strides and ongoing challenges women and girls face in accessing higher education in the Solomon Islands.

The report, published in August 2024, underscores the importance of addressing systemic barriers to ensure equitable access to education for women, which is critical for the country’s inclusive growth and development.

Key Findings

The report reveals that women and girls in the Solomon Islands face numerous obstacles in pursuing higher education, including financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, long distances to schools, safety concerns, high rates of adolescent pregnancy, and traditional gender norms that often prioritize boys’ education.

Despite these challenges, establishing the new University of the South Pacific (USP) campus in Honiara has significantly boosted women’s participation in higher education.

The new USP campus, funded by a 15.4million concessional loan from the ADB and a

1.5 million grants from the Clean Energy Fund have been designed with gender-responsive features to enhance safety and accessibility for women.

These include safe spaces, improved lighting, and disability-inclusive facilities. The campus also incorporates solar power systems, reflecting the country’s commitment to clean energy solutions.

Progress in Women’s Enrolment and Graduation

The report highlights a notable increase in women’s enrolment and graduation rates at the USP Solomon Islands Campus.

In 2021, women accounted for 53.7% of full-time equivalent students and 59% of graduates, up from 52% in 2016. This marks a significant step toward a more inclusive and equitable education system. Expanding online learning opportunities has also played a crucial role in empowering women.

In 2020, 68% of students were enrolled in at least one ICT-based course, 43% of whom were women. By 2021, the proportion of female students studying online had risen to 47%.

This shift has enabled women to overcome geographic and cultural barriers, allowing them to balance academic pursuits with family responsibilities.

Employment Prospects for Women Graduates

The report also notes improvements in employment prospects for women graduates. Job search, counseling services, and career fairs have benefited women students, with 56% of those accessing counseling services in the first quarter of 2023 being women.

Employment outcomes for women graduates have gradually improved, with 27% securing full-time employment in 2021, up from 25% in 2020.

However, this remains below the employment rates for men, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address gender disparities in the workforce.

Challenges Remain

Despite these advancements, significant challenges persist. Traditional gender norms continue to limit girls’ educational opportunities, particularly in rural areas where families often prioritize boys’ education.

Early marriage and adolescent pregnancy remain significant barriers, with 21% of girls married before the age of 18 and 44% dropping out of school due to pregnancy.

Safety and security concerns also pose a significant challenge for women traveling from rural areas to access education. The report emphasizes the need for continued efforts to create safe and inclusive learning environments, particularly for women and girls.

Call to Action

The ADB report calls for sustained action to address these challenges and build on progress. Recommendations include implementing gender-responsive educational policies, promoting gender equality in school management systems, and transforming harmful social norms perpetuating gender inequality.

The report concludes that by addressing these barriers, the Solomon Islands can foster a more equitable and inclusive society where women and girls are empowered to achieve their full potential, contributing to the nation’s prosperity and sustainable development.