Vois Blo Mere Solomons (VBMS) in partnership with the National Council of Women (NCW) successfully held a discussion with the National Referral Hospital (NRH) women health workers to empower each other, collaborate and advance women’s health issues.
The discussion was held on Wednesday at the NRH Conference Room.
The meeting aimed to explore potential collaborations to promote women empowerment, address Gender Based Violence (GBV) and to advocate for Gender Equality.
The gathering also reflected to what VBMS and NCW have been doing in the past and as well as sharing ideas on how they can go further on their agendas.
The meeting also underscored the importance of collective actions in tackling these pressing issues.
VBMS and NCW discussed strategies to support NRH women health workers in their critical roles, enhancing their capacity to provide essential services.
NCW Vice President, Kristina Sogavare emphasized the agenda of the meeting was together, empower one another, and in the process, empowering families which link to the communities.
“Whatever agenda we have, we are in Solomon Islands and whether we are a leaders or members of the church, health, media or whatnot, we are just working collaboratively to build our nation,” Ms Sogavare said.
She emphasized the work of NCW in advocating to gender equality, empower women.
She added that NCW, as an arm of the Solomon Islands National Strategic Plan, advocates for gender equality and empowerment in the space of decision making and leadership.
VBMS, after a Revitalizatio Task Force formed in 2023 continues to implement its activities and review the organizational strategic plant and look more in depth into organisational strengthening plan of action, it is ready and in action to do so.
Newly appointed VBMS Director, Nerol Vaekesa emphasized the work of VBMS, as a movement for over a decade, championing the voices of women and communities, they are exploring how their unique position can support and shape the national health agenda.
“Health intersects with everything-poverty, education, climate change, and especially gender. As a media and advocacy voice, VBMS sees firsthand how a lack of health access impacts families. That’s why we must be involved.
“Health advocacy is stronger in partnership. VBMS doesn’t have to work alone, in fact, collaboration will ensure reach, funding and technical credibility.
“We want to be a bridge between service providers and communities,” Ms. Vaekesa said.
She added that VBMS wants to scale up its program in collaborative awareness at hospitals, drama storytelling and grassroots forums to shape how health services meet the real needs of women.
She calls and invites all women health workers to work with VBMS.
“Let’s change the narrative. Let’s center women’s voice in health.”
NRH Superintendent, Dr. Janella Solomon thanked NCW and VBMS for the informative meeting and thanked all the women health workers who attended the meeting.
“This meeting is for our networking and learning about how VBMSI and NCW can help us, women in the fight against GBF and Gender Equality,” Dr. Solomon said.
NCW and VBMS with the NRH women health workers are looking forward more collaborative works in the future.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
