Inaugural Women in Emergencies Forum concludes in Honiara

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has successfully hosted the inaugural Solomon Islands Women in Emergencies Forum in Honiara from 8th to 9th April 2025.

The forum held at the Rove Police Headquarters was the first of its kind for Solomon Islands which aims to empower, support and unite women in emergency response roles.

It focused on technical knowledge, values-based leadership and building inclusive and resilient teams designed for females in frontline specialist units and departments that deal with emergencies during crises.

Fire and Rescue New South Wales Superintendent, Melissa Spurr, and Qualified Firefighter and Vice President of Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA), Melinda McDonald, were the two guest speakers at the forum which brought together over 20 participants from the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services, National Disaster Management Office, St. John Ambulance and WAFA.

The forum is a significant step forward for females working in the emergency services within the Solomon Islands, as it created a space where they discussed their challenges, experiences and opportunities in a sector that is dominated by male.

Superintendent Spurr and QF McDonald engaged with participants in a variety of sessions designed to inspire, educate and build strong collaboration among emergency responders in ways they can be of help to communities during emergencies.

The event started with an encouraging session led by the RSIPF Deputy Commissioner Operations, Juanita Matanga.

Deputy Commissioner Matanga’s session highlighted the importance of gender equality in the workplace, ethical conduct and encouraging RSIPF women to always focus on the RSIPF values to guide their decision-making in the workplace and everyday lives.

She said the forum is important as it promotes collaboration among emergency responders during crises to assist the communities they serve.

The forum includes interactive discussions covering a wide range of topics including; leadership in crisis situations, physical and mental health for emergency workers, disaster response and the role of women in community resilience during natural disasters.

A RSIPF officer who participated in the forum, Sergeant Samantha Qoloni, said the forum has provided them an opportunity to engage, share personal stories and form bonds that will help strengthen efforts when responding to future challenges in their respective roles.

“This event has been an inspiring reminder of the strength, dedication and resilience of women in emergency services. It’s crucial that we continue to pave the way for future generations of women who aspire to serve their communities in this important area,” Sgt. Qoloni said.

The RSIPF Fire and Rescue has continued to benefit from a secondment arrangement between the Fire and Rescue NSW and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) that is delivered here through the RSIPF and AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP).

The RSIPF acknowledged the ongoing support from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, FRNSW, AFP and RAPPP has made the event a successful one.

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RSIPF