Hon Freda Call for Urgent Action to Empower Women and Achieve Gender Equality

Honorable Freda Toki Rangirei, Minister of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs, has called for swift action to dismantle barriers hindering women’s economic empowerment in the Solomon Islands.

Speaking at the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration at the National Auditorium, she underlined the urgent need to address gender inequality and the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work on women.

Hon Rangirei revealed that women in the Solomon Islands spend an average of nine more hours than men on unpaid care and domestic responsibilities, severely limiting their ability to participate in the economy and take on leadership roles.

She said that only 23% of business owners in the country are women, with most confined to the informal and entertainment sectors.

Citing a recent global report on Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), she warned that the world remains far from achieving gender equality by 2030.

To drive progress, Hon Rangirei announced the launch of the Ministry of Public Service Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy 2025-2030.

She said the policy enforces non-discrimination and ensures equal opportunities for women, men, and persons with disabilities in the public sector.

She also highlighted the government’s commitment to gender equality, including the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2023 and the expansion of services for survivors of gender-based violence across the provinces.

Minister Rangirei urged stakeholders to take immediate action by implementing gender-responsive budgeting, adopting affirmative action to dismantle historical barriers, and investing in programs that protect and promote women’s rights.

She called on families to share household and childcare responsibilities equally and to empower girls to pursue their aspirations.

While acknowledging the global nature of gender inequality, Minister Rangirei stressed the importance of locally driven solutions tailored to the Solomon Islands’ unique context.

She called on government agencies, civil society, and international partners to build a more inclusive and equitable society.

“Gender equality is not just a goal—it is essential for our nation’s development,” Minister Rangirei said.

As the Solomon Islands marks International Women’s Day 2025, the call for urgent action serves as a rallying cry for progress. The IWD will continue until Wednesday, 13^th March.