In 2024, WLI Alumni Representatives in Fiji, Kiribati, and Solomon Islands hosted a range of activities to support 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (from 25 November to 10 December).
Hosted for men and women alumni of WLI programs (including the Women’s Developmental Leadership Program and LeadershipConnect), activities focused on bringing like-minded people together to advocate for and learn about strategies to end to gender-based violence.
On Monday 25 November, WLI alumni joined the Solomon Islands Australia Alumni Association (SIAAA) and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs for a parade in Honiara to officially launch 16 Days of Activism.
The parade commenced in East Honiara and concluded in Town Ground, West Honiara.
On Thursday 28 November, alumni in Honiara also joined a panel discussion focused on the role of men and boys in preventing and ending violence against women and girls in the Solomon Islands.
Panellists included Pionie Boso, Solomon Islands Women's Rights Action Movement Program Manager, and Father Reginald Tohutohuniu from the Christian Care Centre.
Both the parade and panel discussion were hosted by WLI alumni Kristalee Horoto and Janice Ashwin.
On Thursday 28 November, alumni in Suva joined an expert panel discussion focused on tackling technology to end gender-based violence in Fiji.
Attendees learned from experts from the Fiji Police Force, the Online Safety Commission, and the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre who addressed cyber bullying and its link to violence against women, and prevention strategies to create safer online environments.
The expert panel event was hosted by WLI alumni Jiupili Simmons and Neelta Goundar.
On Friday 6 December, alumni in Kiribati came together for a networking event and panel discussion exploring the power of women's leadership to combat gender-based violence in the country.
Sharing their insights and recommendations as women leaders who have supported strategies to prevent gender-based violence, expert panellists included The Hon. Ruta Teretia Babo-Nemta, Member of the Parliament of Kiribati and the first woman elected to hold the seat of Maiana.
Fellow panellists Tarota Bwebwetara, Principal Women Development Officer for the Women Development Division at the Kiribati Ministry of Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs, and Teauama Timiti, WLI Alumna and Assistant Secretary for the Kiribati Ministry of Education reflected on the need to remove barriers to women’s leadership through policy- and decision-making.
The event was hosted by WLI alumni Save Redfern and Teitinrerei Bobo.
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WLI alumni in the Pacific stay connected to each other and attend networking events focused on leadership challenges of importance to them via the WLI Leaders Hub. All alumni-only events are shared via the Hub.
