BY INDY MAEALASIA

Chikako Ito or “Chiko”, spends her days as a midwife at Naha Clinic, East Honiara, tending to pregnant women and girls.

But it was one particular, heartbreaking encounter that would forever change the course of her mission in the Solomon Islands.

During a regular shift, Chiko referred a woman to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) for further treatment. When the woman returned for a follow-up visit, Chiko learned that she had never made it to the hospital because she couldn’t afford bus fare and was embarrassed to ask her husband or relatives for help.

This encounter, like many others, struck a deep chord in Chiko’s heart, fueling her determination to take action.

“I kept thinking of what I could to improve gender equality and women empowerment in this country,” recalls Chiko  

In the Solomon Islands, financial independence remains a distant dream for many women. Limited access to education, economic opportunities, and the constraints of traditional gender roles often leave women especially housewives reliant on men for their most basic needs.

With zero external support, and relying entirely on her sewing skills and personal salary, Chiko launched the Create opportunities, handicrafts, Connect Collaboration among women (CCC) Project—an initiative to teach females how to create handmade sewn products for sale, empowering them to be financially independent females.

Teaming up with 10 females, including local designer of Tingiia Fashion, Janet Temasi, both women realize their shared vision is to help all women.

“When she came up with her idea, I was so excited,” recalls Janet. Inspired by Chiko’s generosity, Temasi adds, “It is nice to have someone from a different country willing to help community ladies. she(Chiko) gave it all from her heart, she did not demand for pay, she found opportunities for all the ladies.”

On weekends, Chiko and Janet would meet to cut fabric from off-cuts at Janet’s shop and new materials purchased by Chiko.

Janet would carefully measure and cut the fabric into consistent sizes to ensure uniformity in the purses, and accessories they were creating for the project.

They were joined by several young girls from Janet’s household and community.

“These girls didn’t know how to sew at first, but they came in and learned,” shares Janet. ‘It was difficult at first, but they were eager to learn.”

Soon after striking a deal with the General Manger of Kitano Mendana Hotel, they started supplying the hotel with their first products including lady’s purse.

For these girls, the CCC project gave them the opportunity to discover new skills and experienced self-growth.

 “I only do sewing just to make bags but when Chiko would inspect our products, it has forced me to always do my best.  It has made me to learn as much as I can,” says 24-year-old Charity Tinohitu

“Since joining the project, I have become competitive, and it has encouraged me to always strive me to be better,” shares 22-Year-old Davila Tena

The girls also shared their heartfelt gratitude to Chiko and Janet for the opportunities they’ve been given.

“I’m so thankful for everything Chiko and Janet have taught me,” says Charity “They’ve shown me how to be make good use of my talents to be financially independent too.”

Despite these inspiring successes, the project faces significant challenges in scaling the project and reaching more women.

“A lot of girls and women have expressed their interests to join the project but we currently do not have enough sewing machines,” shares Janet.

However, Janet remains optimistic, “Chiko and I are taking one step at a time to avoid stressing ourselves out.”

With the funds raised from their sales, Janet expresses excitement on purchasing the project’s first ever sewing machine.

“We will purchase a small machine and whatever is left will be shared among the girls,” explains Janet.

Chiko’s vision for the future of the project is clear: to create a sustainable, self-reliant system that will continue empowering women even after she leaves the Solomon Islands.

She acknowledges that it’s challenging for many women to balance household responsibilities while striving for financial independence.

“If you have a dream, don’t give up—build your confidence,” encourages Chiko

Janet, too, offers her own advice: “You all have great potential. Don’t rely entirely on your husbands; you can create something with your own hands. Don’t isolate yourselves—go out and nurture your talents and skills.”