BUILDING SAFE SPACES:16 DAYS OF INFRASTRUCTURE ACTIVISM
Australia’s Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) has delivered gender-based violence (GBV) awareness training across its construction sites as part of the international 16 Days of Activism.
Acting Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Andrew Schloeffel, said the 16 Days of Activism campaign highlights the role we all need to play in strengthening community wellbeing and creating safe public spaces.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe at work, home, in public and online spaces,” the Acting High Commissioner said.
Workers at the new Seghe Market work site taking part in a 16 Days of Activism awareness talk on preventing sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.
“Australia is a proud supporter of this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign in Solomon Islands. This is one of many initiatives we’re supporting that reinforce respect, empower women and girls, and ensure Australia-supported infrastructure projects make a positive contribution to the communities they are designed to serve.”
Through SIIP, Australia has delivered GBV awareness training at the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre construction site in Honiara, as well as provincial market sites.
The awareness sessions are focused on helping workers and communities to stand against digital violence and harassment of women and girls, and what to do when this happens, consistent with this year’s theme for the 16 Days of Activism: ‘Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls’.
Globally, one in three women experience gender-based violence, while up to 58 per cent of women and girls face digital harassment, demonstrating the urgency of coordinated prevention efforts.
ENDS//
– AHC PRESS RELEASE