Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, Ms Stephanie Copus Campbell AM is visiting Solomons Islands today, Sunday, 10th November to continue her advocacy and engagement program in the Pacific.
Ms Copus Campbell last visited Honiara in January 2023 and is looking forward to engaging further with relevant Ministers, businesswomen, civil society organisations, students and other partners on this visit.
On Monday, the Ambassador will travel to Munda, Western Province, to open a Girls’ dormitory at the Tabaka Rural Training Centre, along with the Minister for Education, Hon Tozen Leokana, Premier of Western Province, Hon Billy Veo, and New Zealand High Commissioner, His Excellency Jonathon Schwass.
She will also visit the Munda Market Vendors Association, a UN Women ‘Markets for Change’ project supported by the Australian Government.
Ambassador Copus Campbell is looking forward to learning more about the successes and challenges to achieving gender equality in Solomon Islands going forward.
“I’m thrilled to return to Solomon Islands and hear more from the formidable ‘Bigfella Mere’ in government, business, civil society, students, and the dedicated service providers responding to gender-based violence” said Ambassador Copus Campbell.
Australia’s High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton said “we are honoured to introduce the Ambassador to so many impressive women and men, who are leading the charge on gender equality, and we are proud to continue to support our partners in this endeavour”.
Biography: Ms Copus Campbell has extensive experience working across the public, private, philanthropic and community sectors in Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
She has served as head of Australia’s bilateral aid programs with Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Tuvalu and head of Australia’s Pacific Regional programs. Ms Copus Campbell has worked in senior executive roles with CARE Australia and the Oil Search Foundation.
Stephanie is a founding Director on the Femili PNG Board (providing services to survivors of family and sexual violence) and the PNG City Pharmacy Ltd. Board. From 2018 to 2023 she was Chair of the Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority Board (the third largest province in PNG).
Stephanie holds a Master of Philosophy from Cambridge University (UK) in international relations and a bachelor’s degree from the University of California in political science, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She is currently undertaking a Masters of Social Work through the University of Melbourne. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
She volunteers in palliative care at Clare Holland House Hospice and as a wildlife carer and rescuer for ACT Wildlife.
