BY INDY MAEALASIA

DRIVEN by a passion for justice and a deep commitment to empowering others, 28-year-old Bezel Aonima is forging a path toward a more equitable society in the Solomon Islands.

As a legal officer at the Women’s Rights Action Movement (WRAM), a non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing gender equality through policy and legislative reforms, Bezel is actively working to create lasting change.

In her quest for equity, Bezel reflects on the experiences that have shaped her activism and the core values that fuel her mission.

INSPIRATIONS

Bezel’s journey into activism started when she moved to her village in Auruligo, West Guadalcanal, to continue her primary education. There, she encountered a different reality.

“Life in the village opened my eyes to the challenges many people face, particularly in terms of accessibility and access to information,” she says.

“This experience made me realize how essential it is to have the right information and to share it with others. It sparked an early interest in understanding the issues affecting our country and a strong desire to inform and empower my family and friends with the knowledge they needed to navigate these challenges,”

 Bezel’s mother also played a pivotal role in shaping her path. “Through her work with the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs, I was exposed to many strong women and men advocates who were passionately working for change at a very early age.”

“Their dedication and commitment to making a difference deeply influenced me and fueled my own desire to contribute to the cause,” she adds

FROM LEGAL STUDIES TO ADVOCACY

A law graduated from the University of the South Pacific(USP), Bezel’s legal background deepened her understanding on the importance of policy and legislative reforms to address inequalities.

During her studies, she held several volunteer leadership roles which helped her navigate complex societal challenges and broadened her views.

One of the most significant moments in her activism came when she volunteered with the Disability People’s Association of Solomon Islands (DPASI).

“…it opened my eyes to the harsh reality that certain groups in our society are completely left behind—denied access to basic services, education, and even vital information,” she recalls.

Witnessing the resilience of people with disabilities while confronting the barriers, deeply moved Bezel.

“…it solidified my commitment to fighting for inclusivity and equality. It was a powerful reminder that no one should be invisible in their own community, and every voice deserves to be heard.”

EMPOWERING WOMEN AND CHALLENGING NORMS

Bezel’s believes that everyone deserves a fair chance regardless of gender, background, or ability.

At WRAM, she works on issues surrounding women’s economic empowerment, leadership, and eliminating violence against women and girls.

“ I  take immense pride in contributing to the advocacy for the rights and needs of women and girls in the Solomon Islands. This role has taught me that behind every successful advocacy effort is a team of dedicated individuals who are deeply committed to creating positive change in their communities,”

Bezel has been part of several successful advocacy efforts aimed at creating more leadership opportunities for women in the Solomon Islands.

 One notable achievement was WRAM’s collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children, and Family Affairs to advocate for women’s participation in leadership roles. This led to the endorsement of a major initiative by the Cabinet, signaling a significant shift in how women’s roles are perceived at the national level.

 OVERCOMING RESISTANCE AND BUILDING RESILIENCE

Despite her successes, the fight for gender equality, Bezel admits, is not an easy one.

“Changing these perceptions is no small task—it takes time, persistence, and resilience. One of the greatest challenges is facing harsh criticism and resistance, which can be discouraging,”

But Bezel finds strength in her team at WRAM and in the powerful stories of the people she works with.

“Together, we shoulder the weight of this important work, leaning on each other for encouragement and strength. This collective commitment reminds me that change, while slow and difficult, is possible when driven by a united and determined team. It’s this shared vision of a more just and equal society that inspires me to keep pushing forward, even in the face of challenges,” she added.

ADVOCACY THROUGH STORYTELLING

Storytelling is central in Bazel’s advocacy “because it allows for the effective communication of important messages.”

“When people lack access to certain media or resources, a straightforward, thought-provoking message can make a significant impact. It’s about ensuring that the right information reaches people in a way that resonates with them, often in the simplest forms of communication,” she says.

“These messages can help inform, raise awareness, and drive action on critical issues. By making the information accessible and relatable, we can engage people more effectively, helping them understand the importance of the cause,” Bazel adds.

LESSON LEARNED

Bezel’s journey in activism has been shaped by invaluable lessons from her time with DPASI and WRAM. These lessons have guided her approach to driving meaningful change:

Keep messaging simple and inclusive: Craft clear, concise messages that resonate with diverse audiences and inspire action.

Be strategic in advocacy: Effective advocacy requires understanding processes and systems, challenging them strategically with clear objectives.

Persevere and find a way: Persistence is key in advocacy, whether engaging with leaders or communities, by understanding perspectives and finding common ground to connect your message to the cause.

A CALL FOR ACTION

Bezel urges individuals and groups to actively share information on gender, environmental, and human rights issues in all aspects of life, from dinner tables to workplaces, to raise awareness and drive change.

She emphasizes the importance of addressing gender-based violence, engaging in difficult conversations, and ensuring respect for all individuals.

She envisions a successful outcome where young women confidently take up leadership roles and contribute to decision-making across all sectors, breaking barriers and creating inclusive environments.

“Ultimately, I envision a shift in societal attitudes, where respect and equality form the foundation of how we treat one another. While I recognize that changing societal attitudes is a complex challenge, as advocates, giving up is simply not an option,” she adds