Youth leaders take the lead in preventing gender-based violence in Solomon Islands

Emerging youth leaders from communities in Honiara are driving change through the Social Citizenship Education (SCE) program, an initiative by the Pacific Community aimed at ending violence against women and girls by tackling the root causes of gender inequality through education and community engagement.

Emerging youth leaders from Honiara take the lead in preventing gender-based violence through the Social Citizenship Education (SCE) programme, empowering communities and inspiring change across the Solomon Islands.

Solomon Islands has one of the highest documented rates of violence against women and girls in the world, with a reported 64 per cent of women experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, many experiencing severe forms of physical partner violence.

There is strong political will to address and end violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the country, with efforts led by both government and civil society. One key initiative is the SCE program, implemented by the Pacific Community in collaboration with the Government of Solomon Islands and other stakeholders.

Launched in 2024, the SCE program is set to be rolled out in eight pilot schools in Honiara and across Guadalcanal Province, targeting students from Years 5 to 12.

At the heart of the program is a comprehensive whole-of-school approach that includes strengthening community outreach and engagement through partnerships with national ministries for youth and national youth councils.

Josie-Anne Ashley, General Secretary of the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress said, “We’re working with our networks to select the youth community facilitators. These are young leaders who were picked for their leadership qualities within their organisations. They have been trained, and they will be the ones rolling out the awareness sessions through the SCE program,”

At the centre of the program are youth community facilitators, young leaders equipped with the knowledge, skills and passion to drive change at the grassroots level.

Selected through youth networks, these facilitators are not only trained advocates but also trusted voices within their communities.

Many of them bring strong academic and practical experience to the role.

Loyd, for example, is a student at the University of the South Pacific and a volunteer with the youth division at the Honiara Youth Council, where he actively engages with other young people through community outreach.

In White River, Molly Sina Panio is recognised as a community leader, supporting and mentoring youth in her community. Her leadership journey has been strengthened through her involvement in the Pacific Youth Engagement, Empowerment and Economic Pathways (PYEEEP) project.

Others, like Reminah Willie, bring experience from working with development organisations, adding practical insight into community engagement and social issues.

Across the group, many facilitators are pursuing studies in fields such as social work and sociology, further strengthening their ability to address sensitive issues like gender-based violence with understanding and care.

Together, these young leaders represent a new generation of changemakers, combining education, lived experience and community trust to deliver awareness sessions and spark meaningful conversations that contribute to safer communities across the Solomon Islands.

Source: SPC