A greater diversity of voices is urgently needed in Solomon Islands’ politics, British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Paul Turner said in a keynote speech delivered at an event organised by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) in Honiara this week.
The workshop, hosted by the WFD, centred on the barriers to women’s participation in Solomon\’s politics and drew together leading figures for a frank and constructive discussion.
Joining Commissioner Turner on the high-level panel were Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Hon. Kathy Nori, Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale, Chief Electoral Officer Jasper Highwood Anisi and Dr Alice Pollard. Dr Pollard shared a deeply personal account of her experiences as a candidate, including the challenges faced and the impact of electoral disappointments.
Commissioner Turner emphasised that, across the world, democracies are strengthened by diverse voices. In Solomon Islands, he noted, this means electing far more women to both national and provincial assemblies.
Since independence in 1978, only eight women have been elected to the national parliament — a figure among the lowest globally. Research presented by the WFD highlights that financial constraints often limit women candidates: campaigning requires significant resources, and women are less likely to have access to personal income, land, or financial assets.
Turner called for targeted financial support for women candidates, as well as greater transparency in campaign financing and a more equitable allocation of resources to level the playing field.
Minister Nori described her own challenges in securing a parliamentary seat, stressing that women must overcome entrenched local expectations that they should focus on family and provision, rather than leadership.
She argued that a fundamental shift in attitudes is needed across Solomon Islands to ensure women can pursue political aspirations, noting that many are discouraged by the struggle.
Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale underlined the importance of women using their local Kastom and cultural networks to build recognition and support.
He acknowledged the greater difficulties women face and encouraged them to join political parties to benefit from their experience and resources.
However, he also highlighted that many women prefer to stand as independent candidates rather than take up party quotas reserved for women.
The panel agreed that increased representation of women in national and provincial assemblies would bring greater focus to vital sectors such as health, education, and community stability.
High Commissioner Turner drew on his personal experience in Northern Ireland and the Balkans during the 1990s and 2000s, noting that locally organised women’s groups had played a pivotal role in bridging divided communities in cities like Sarajevo and Belfast, and in organising political groupings dedicated to long-term peace.
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BHC Solomon Islands
