By Loretta B Manele
Women play an important role in society thus society cannot be without what women can bring to the table.
Kristine Marsh, public affairs officer from the US embassy stressed on this while speaking at International Women’s Day (IWD) event last week at the National Museum Auditorium.
She said one fact is certain and that is we cannot afford to be without the insights and input of women into our free-market economies and democratic societies.
Marsh voiced that women from all generations and backgrounds have been integral to the prosperity and productivity of our economies and processes around the world.
“Welcoming women as full partners allows societies to harness the strength of 100% of us.”
Marsh stated that global competition is too strong for us to shut anyone out, hence we must constantly focus on taking down the barriers that put women at a disadvantage and give all our efforts to have women participate on the basis of merit, side by side with men.
She pointed out that women have so much to share in a variety of fields and platforms as history has proven, however it is not enough to empower women.
In this regard, Marsh said we must all keep in mind the need to build the confidence of those who are new to leadership and other roles.
“That’s why the US Embassy here in Solomon Islands also has this programme, Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, which is one way that we are supporting Solomon Islands women to be leaders in entrepreneurship.”
Marsh added that the need for support also points to the importance of men as allies and advocates.
She also expressed that women are not just helpers but doers, changemakers and bosses.
“A dear Solomon Islands friend of mine noted that in the Bible, there is a common reference to women as helpers, but she said that in the U.S, it is more than support, it is someone who really adds enormously to any given moment, who makes a big impact on that experience or situation, and in other words, women are more than helpers.”
She highlighted that today and every day, the daughters of Solomon Islands ignite the dreams and develop the character of our next generation.
“Your contributions to excellence are worthy of praise and recognition now and forever.”
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