BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Western Province Council of Women have successfully concluded its long-awaited Annual General Meeting (AGM) yesterday in Gizo, bringing together women leaders from across the province for the first time in several years.

Ward presidents and vice presidents representing all 21 wards attended the meeting, signalling what leaders described as a strong commitment by women to advance national and provincial policies at the community level.

In her welcome remarks, Caretaker President, Rendy Solomon thanked the participants for sacrificing time away from their families to attend the AGM. She said the turnout shows the determination of Western Province women to support development initiatives despite ongoing challenges.

Solomon acknowledged that her executive had struggled for years to organise the AGM due to severe financial constraints.

“Bringing all the women to Gizo, providing them accommodation, meals and their return is an expensive exercise.

“We were told to hold the AGM earlier but as I have said, it was not an easy task. We don’t have the financial capacity to call the AGM. But with the limited resources, the executive managed to produce a financial report from 2012 to 2024,” she said.

Solomon added that the Council relies heavily on rental income from the Women’s Centre to finance its operations, noting that delays in rental payments and arrears contributed to the extended postponement of the AGM. The recent availability of rental income finally made the meeting possible.

She also acknowledged the Western Provincial Government for its support towards the event.

Representing the provincial government, Provincial Secretary Patrick Toiraena congratulated the Council for successfully hosting the AGM and thanked the women for attending despite their responsibilities at home.

He emphasized the important role the Women’s Council plays in project planning and implementation across the province.

“I really salute you for attending this meeting. Your attendance reflects your commitment towards women’s development in your wards and the province.

“Most projects require gender equality or women engagement, so you are stepping in the right direction for your province and communities,” Toiraena said.

He encouraged women to take up more leadership roles, saying this will help share the burden of leadership and introduce new ideas and visions for communities.

Toiraena also called for stronger cooperation between the Western Council of Women, the provincial government, the Ministry of Women, and the national government.

He said he looks forward to receiving the AGM report to ensure the provincial government is fully informed of the outcomes and resolutions made.

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