Women Urged to Lead Solomon Islands Infrastructure Development

Women working across government, industry, and training institutions have called on their peers to lead in advancing the sustainability and economic potential of Solomon Islands infrastructure.

At the Women in Infrastructure Breakfast Forum, convened by Australia as part of International Women’s Day 2025, Deputy Speaker Hon. Cathy Nori MP emphasized the importance of female participation in the sector.

A new generation of women working across Solomon islands services and construction sites are encouraging more of their sisters into a career in infrastructure

She said infrastructure was not gender-neutral and that involving women could make infrastructure more empowering for the wider community.

“From roads to bridges and markets, women have different needs and may use infrastructure in different ways,” Hon. Nori said. “The challenge for us all is to make infrastructure more accessible and economic opportunities more accessible.”

“Through our participation in design, decision-making, and construction, women can do this.”

“Education, training, leadership, and communities are all areas where women have consistently proven themselves, challenged barriers, and set themselves apart as dedicated and passionate to serve and make a difference.”

The event was part of International Women’s Day 2025 and acknowledged the progress and challenges for Solomon Islands women in the infrastructure sector.

Australia’s High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the benefits of local jobs and equal participation were undeniable.

“Through many initiatives, Australia is creating more skilled local jobs for both men and women,” High Commissioner Hilton said.

“Women are proving that they not only do the job just as well, but also bring a unique perspective and innovation to the infrastructure challenges we face.”

“This means promoting women in infrastructure is not just about equality; it is about unlocking potential, growing the economy, local companies and jobs here in Solomon Islands—benefiting families and communities alike.”

The forum brought together leaders and workers from government, the utilities and private sector, with development partners and technical training institutions.

In her closing remarks, Chair of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ms Namoi Kaluae, advocated for a joint approach to championing more women into infrastructure.

“Together, we must build a strong community that champions empowerment, solidarity, and celebrates every woman's success,” Ms Kuluae said.

“As we embrace this Women in Infrastructure movement, let us remember there is no limit to what women can achieve."

High Commissioner Hilton said remarkable progress was being made on Australian-supported infrastructure around the Solomon Islands, with local women on worksites in critical roles earning a good income.

“Australia remains committed to the training and engagement of more Solomon Islands women as part of our push to generate more local jobs from each and every infrastructure development under the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership,” High Commissioner Hilton said.

“The training, employment, and construction programs we are supporting have opened the door to infrastructure careers here in the Solomon Islands for a new generation of women.”

The forum brought together leaders and workers from the government, the utilities sector, private companies, development partners, and technical training institutions.

Chairperson of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ms Namoi Kaluae, called for a collaborative approach to increasing female participation in the sector.

Media Release | AHC