WELSI celebrates one-year of empowering women leaders

One year on, the Women in Executive Leadership Solomon Islands (WELSI) stands as a symbol of what is possible when women support women, when leadership is shared, and when purpose drives progress.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA), Ms Rachel Rahii made this statement as WELSI celebrated its one-year anniversary on Friday 17 October 2025.

SIWIBA is a proud partner of WLESI since its establishment and this occasion serves as a time to reflect and reconnect as a community of women leaders, and to reaffirm the shared commitment to advancing women’s leadership – in business, organizations, government and across every part of our society.

Ms Rahii said in just one year, WELSI has grown from a concept into a powerful platform of influence and mentorship for women in leadership in our nation.

“It has brought together senior women leaders from diverse sectors, provided a safe and empowering space for knowledge sharing and confidence building.

“It has not only equipped women leaders with knowledge and skills necessary for their development and progress, but most importantly, amplified women’s voices in key decision-making spaces,” she said.

WELSI has now trained six cohorts of women leaders under the Solomon Islands Senior Women in Executive Leadership Program, has successfully elected its new board with a strategic plan in place and is about to kick start its mentoring program.

Like any other organizations, WELSI has faced its share of challenges, from transforming an idea into an established body, navigating limited resources, to balancing their own professional commitment with the demands of leadership and progress of WELSI.

Ms Rahi acknowledged and thanked all who have been instrumental in building WELSI from the ground up, especially the CEO of the Institute of Solomon Islands Accounting (ISIA), Ms Pamela Naesol Alamu, for her vision, persistence and dedication. Ms Alamu is also the current President of WELSI.

“The impact of WELSI is already visible,” Ms Rahii continued. “Many of our members and cohort participants have gone on to take up senior leadership roles, lead organizations, mentor younger women, and drive meaningful change within their sectors.”

These are not just personal successes; they represent a collective voice and a movement. Each story is proof that when women rise, communities prosper, and our nation moves forward.

Looking ahead, WELSI’s vision is clear, and that is to continue building a strong network of women leaders, to nurture mentorship pipelines for emerging talents, and to collaborate with national institutions and partners to promote gender inclusive leadership at all levels.

WELSI’s mission is to be the leading organization that creates a sustainable platform for advancing women in executive leadership – advocating, supporting and empowering women to excel in their careers and step into higher decision-making roles.

WELSI’s future is one of sustainability, inclusivity and impact, where every woman, regardless of her staged in leadership, feels supported, valued and inspired to lead.

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– WELSI PRESS RELEASE