Technical support and training to address Gender-Based Violence commences

In a major move to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and foster inclusive development, the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) has signed a contract with Finnish Overseas Consultants (FinnOC) Ltd to deliver targeted technical support and training under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), funded by the World Bank.

The initiative officially commenced with a kick-off meeting on June 11, 2025, where FinnOC presented its comprehensive three-year work plan to the SIRAP2 Project Support Team. This aims to strengthen GBV awareness and response mechanisms across all SIRAP2 project sites, with activities running through June 2028.

Solomon Islands faces some of the highest rates of GBV globally, with recent data revealing that 64 percent of ever-partnered women aged 15-49 report experiencing physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner, and 18 percent of women aged 15-49 report experiencing sexual violence by someone other than an intimate partner; thus, the urgency for action is clear.

As improved connectivity could exacerbate these risks by increased exposure to human trafficking and exploitation, the government in partnership with development partners is taking proactive steps to address related risks.

Key activities under the contract includes:

• Assessment: Increasing awareness of GBV and Violence Against Children (VAC) and evaluating workplace policies across employment stages.
• Prevention: Delivering targeted training for MCA staff, consultants, and contractors, while promoting gender equity in recruitment and promotion within the aviation sector.
• Response: Strengthening local service providers’ capacity to support survivors and providing technical and leadership training for women.

The initiative marks a crucial step toward safeguarding vulnerable populations while empowering women to take on technical and leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Apart from this consultancy, SIRAP2 is currently advancing a range of critical infrastructure investments across the country. These include the construction of the Noro Roads and four new bridges in Malaita, upgrades to Honiara and Munda International Airports and Santa Cruz and Suavanao Airfields, investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, maintenance of regional airports, rehabilitation of 21 km of East Road between Baratolo and Atori, and the sealing of 12 km of the North Road between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction.

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SIRAP2 statement