Planned Budget (Total)
Other resources (non-core)
Country Indexes
outcome XM-DAC-41146-SLB_D_1.1
By 2027, more people, especially those at risk of being left behind, contribute to and benefit from sustainable, resilient, diversified, inclusive and human-centred socio-economic systems with decent work and equal livelihoods opportunities, reducing inequalities and ensuring shared prosperity [PCF Strategic Priority 3: Prosperity]
In 2024, Solomon Islands achieved remarkable progress in transforming its market governance systems through a dual approach focusing on leadership development and institutional reforms. The initiative engaged over 200 participants (over 75% women) across multiple regions, reflecting a commitment to addressing historical gender inequalities in market governance. Key achievements included the empowerment of Market Vendor Association (MVA) executives for more strategic leadership roles; the adoption of the Western Provincial Government's (WPG) Market Ordinance; digital financial solutions reaching 201 women vendors; and the leveraging of dialogue mechanisms for desired outcomes. Notable breakthroughs included the certification of 109 women in food safety, the representation of vendors in Provincial Disaster Committees for enhanced climate resilience, and the emergence of women market leaders on international platforms, demonstrating how targeted capacity building and structural reforms can create more equitable, sustainable, and resilient economic systems. At leadership level, 78 MVA executives (60 women,18 men) from Auki, Honiara, Gizo, Munda, and Buala undertook a fundamental transformation in their approach to market governance. These leaders have evolved beyond day-to-day management to embrace strategic planning and ecosystem-wide thinking, incorporating digital engagement and networking into their operations. In Munda, 40 rural vendors (37 women,3 men) exemplify this evolution, having developed sophisticated capabilities in analysing market by-laws. The Auki MVA's transformation is particularly noteworthy, with 80% of their leaders (13 women, 3 men) demonstrating enhanced capabilities in gender-sensitive leadership and conflict resolution, directly addressing power imbalances within market systems. Institutional reforms parallel and reinforce these leadership developments. The WPG Market Ordinance marks a significant shift in governance by mandating 50% revenue allocation for market maintenance and services, creating self-sustaining systems that particularly benefit women vendors. MVAs in Honiara, Munda, Gizo, Auki, and Buala have evolved into stronger organizations with standardized procedures & democratic governance structures. This transformation is evident in the Gizo MVA's Annual General Meeting, where 68 participants (61 women,7 men) demonstrated enhanced governance capabilities through transparent electoral processes. The establishment of dialogue through Market Steering Committee meetings across multiple locations has institutionalized vendor influence in governance. Two complementary platforms - the Project Working Committee for operational improvements and Project Management Committee for strategic planning - ensure sustainable engagement between rights holders and duty bearers. Through these mechanisms, vendor leaders now confidently present proposals, negotiate infrastructure improvements, and directly shape market development planning alongside government officials, marking a shift from previous consultation-only approaches to genuine co-governance. This dual transformation in both leadership and institutions creates the foundation for sustainable, inclusive economic systems that align with the Pacific UNSDCF Prosperity Pillar's vision. The changes demonstrate how removing structural barriers &building capacity can lead to more equitable and human-centered market systems that benefit traditionally marginalized groups while ensuring sustainable gender-responsive economic development. In progressing toward inclusive economic systems, 310 women market vendors across the Solomon Islands have acquired professional certifications &digital financial capabilities, demonstrating how targeted capacity building creates pathways for traditionally marginalized groups to participate fully in formal economic systems, directly contributing to the Prosperity Pillar's vision of sustainable and inclusive development. 201 women vendors have revolutionized their trading practices by mastering digital financial solutions, from voluntary savings programs to mobile money services. This transformation, anchored in the National E-commerce Strategy, has particularly empowered vendors in remote communities who previously lacked access to formal financial systems. Their adoption of digital platforms for transactions and business expansion demonstrates how technology can bridge traditional barriers while building more resilient &sustainable market enterprises. Professional development has further elevated vendors' economic participation, with 109 women completing food safety certification through the Ministry of Health. This achievement transforms their status from informal traders to certified professionals who demonstrate sophisticated mastery of food handling, storage &hygiene. This professionalization has triggered systemic improvements as vendors upgrade facilities to meet public health standards. Together, these digital &professional capabilities have enabled vendors to secure business licenses, comply with the Pure Food Act, and expand into new services like catering. This comprehensive transformation demonstrates how targeted capacity building removes structural barriers for women traditionally confined to informal sectors, creating pathways to sustainable and equitable economic participation. The changes contribute directly to the creation of sustainable, resilient, &diversified economic systems that reduce inequalities and ensure shared prosperity. Furthermore, two women market leaders broke new ground in 2024 by expanding their influence from local markets to international platforms. Honiara City MVA Secretary advocated for market vendors' rights at CSW68 and President represented Solomon Islands' business interests through craft sales at the SIDS4 Gender Equality Village in Antigua. This evolution from local market representatives to international advocates and entrepreneurs demonstrates how women are not only claiming their voice in global policy spaces but also creating new pathways for other women vendors - showing that market leadership can open opportunities for international advocacy, trade relationships, &business expansion. Their success paves the way for future generations of women vendors to envision and pursue leadership roles. 25 vendor leaders (20 women,5 men) now serve on Provincial Disaster Committees, marking a significant shift in disaster governance that ensures market vendors' perspectives &needs are central to climate adaptation planning. The majority women representation allows for women's voices and experiences to directly shape resilience strategies, transforming traditional power dynamics in disaster planning. As primary users of market spaces &those historically most affected by climate disruptions, women vendors bring critical first-hand knowledge to committee decisions. Their leadership ensures that infrastructure improvements, emergency protocols, and resource allocation reflect the practical needs of market communities while advancing gender-responsive climate adaptation. The construction of elevated sea walls in Buala &weather protection shelters in Honiara's central market demonstrates how vendor participation in institutional decision-making has led to practical solutions that protect vendor livelihoods &enhance market resilience, contributing to the vision of the UNSDCF Prosperity Pillar. UN Women advances gender-responsive market transformation through the Markets for Change programme, while coordinating a network of partners. At the government level: Ministry of Women, Ministry of Health, and various provincial &municipal authorities, notably the Western Provincial Government; civil society: MVAs; financial sector partners SINPF, Telekom, &ANZ Bank.
outcome XM-DAC-41146-SLB_D_2.1
By 2027, more people, particularly those at risk of being left behind, benefit from more equitable access to resilient, and gender-responsive, quality basic services, food security/nutrition and social protection systems. [PCF Strategic Priority 2: People]
In 2024, Solomon Islands made significant strides in strengthening gender-responsive service delivery and protection systems across multiple sectors, reaching diverse populations through coordinated initiatives spanning essential services, sports, and emergency response. Operating under a legally binding Memorandum of Understanding, these multi-sectoral efforts directly enhanced equitable access to resilient, quality services, particularly for those most at risk of being left behind. Through coordinated efforts, these programs reached substantial numbers across different population segments. In total, 4,697 women benefited from the initiatives: 70 women received intensive direct support services, 89 participated in professional capacity building, and 4,538 accessed community awareness and education resources. In Malaita province alone, 9,076 individuals (4,538 females, 4,538 males) accessed awareness and support services across six communities. The Malaita Christian Counselling Center provided critical counseling and shelter services to 128 survivors of gender-based violence, including 70 women and 58 children. Through sports-based programs, 105 individuals (71 women, 34 men) gained enhanced understanding of gender equality and violence prevention. Project Golkipa's community consultations engaged 62 community members (26 females, 36 males) in creating safe spaces for women and girls. SAFENET meetings engaged 34 members (26 women, 8 men) in May and expanded to 63 members (43 women, 20 men) by November, strengthening institutional capacity for inclusive service delivery. Notable behavioral changes emerged among rights holders and duty bearers, informed by comprehensive gender data collection and analysis. Community members demonstrated increased understanding of gender-based violence and available support services, challenging deeply rooted cultural attitudes through culturally sensitive approaches. Sports leaders showed increased commitment to gender equality, developing new protocols and strategies for women's safe participation. Service providers exhibited enhanced technical capabilities in trauma-informed care and coordinated response, with SAFENET members achieving 62% overall technical capacity. Provincial Protection Committee members showed remarkable improvements in their understanding of Gender Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE), with knowledge increasing from 19% to 73% in Choiseul and 54% to 75% in Western Province. Institutional performance saw significant enhancement through strengthened coordination mechanisms and standardized protocols. SAFENET's eleven member organizations developed three key data-informed strategies: the Emergency Response Protocol, Provincial GBViE action plans, and a comprehensive GBV Administrative Data System. The network implemented standardized intake forms and quarterly reporting mechanisms, enabling evidence-based programming and policy decisions. Innovative strategies combining sports and faith platforms were implemented to transform harmful norms while improving service access. The systematic collection of multi-level disaggregated data through the formal Data Management Protocol has been crucial for identifying service gaps and barriers faced by marginalized women. The initiatives consistently applied human rights-based approaches, ensuring equal rights and opportunities while addressing specific needs of marginalized groups. The principle of leaving no one behind was embedded throughout, with services extending to remote areas and addressing diverse population needs. Civil society organizations actively shaped policy development and service coordination, influencing both the SAFENET referral system and provincial-level GBViE implementation. Meaningful participation was fostered through structured engagement of both rights holders and duty bearers in program development and implementation. Protection and safety remained paramount, with enhanced protocols for survivor support and confidential service delivery. Gender-responsiveness was strengthened through improved analysis, mainstreaming, and service delivery adaptations. This transformative approach has created more resilient and inclusive service delivery systems, particularly benefiting those most vulnerable during emergencies. The combination of sports-based initiatives, strengthened emergency response capabilities, and enhanced coordination mechanisms ensures sustainable improvements in service accessibility and quality. The executing partners formed a comprehensive network operating under clear roles and responsibilities. The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs provided overall coordination and leadership, while UN Women offered technical and financial support. Key service providers included the Solomon Islands Football Federation, Oceania Football Confederation, No2ndPlace, Seif Ples, Family Support Centre, Malaita Christian Care Centre, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, Public Solicitor's Office, Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, HOPE Trust, and various provincial government departments. Each partner contributed specialized expertise and service delivery capacity while maintaining coordinated data collection and analysis for continued service improvement.
outcome XM-DAC-41146-SLB_D_2.2
By 2027, the operational, normative and collaborative potential of the UNCT Cooperation Frameworks to contribute to greater gender equality is fully optimised by UN Women’s interventions
UN Women in the Solomon Islands continues to progress in strengthening the UNCTs' capacity for advancing gender equality and women's empowerment. Through collaboration with the UN Local Team—comprising UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, IOM, FAO, WHO, UNCD and UNESCAP, UN Women led transformative efforts in supporting the Solomon Islands government's completion of its second Voluntary National Review (VNR). The successful VNR process exemplified systematic advancement of joint action on gender equality, reaching key government ministries, particularly the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) and the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC). The review process integrated gender perspectives throughout national development frameworks, ensuring the voices and needs of marginalized populations—including women, youth, persons with disabilities, indigenous people, and disaster-affected communities—were prominently featured across all nine provinces of the Solomon Islands. This comprehensive geographical coverage demonstrated a commitment to leaving no one behind, particularly in remote and traditionally underserved areas. UN Women's technical expertise strengthened national capacities through two pivotal achievements. First, the organization supported MWYCFA in developing the CEDAW 4th and 5th Combined Periodic Report, which demonstrated measurable progress in legislative compliance. A comprehensive review revealed that out of 76 legislative indicators, 32% now show full compliance with CEDAW, marking an improvement from 23% in 2006. This progress reflects enhanced institutional capacity and strengthened duty-bearer commitment to implement gender-responsive legislation while highlighting areas requiring continued attention to protect and promote women's rights. Second, collaboration with MNPDC on the National Development Strategy 2016-2035 mid-way review provided crucial insights into development challenges affecting women and marginalized groups. The review process is creating new pathways for gender-responsive policy implementation, emphasizing areas where enhanced focus is needed to ensure women benefit from development initiatives. This work specifically addressed gender-based violence through integrated approaches to protection and safety in crisis-affected communities, while establishing mechanisms for meaningful participation in national development processes. The enhanced institutional mechanisms for gender analysis and mainstreaming resulted in improved coordination across sectors. These initiatives demonstrate clear alignment with the Pacific UNSDCF 2023-2027, particularly in strengthening national mechanisms for inclusive development. The VNR process culminated in a successful presentation at the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, showcasing Solomon Islands' progress while acknowledging particular vulnerabilities to climate change and natural disasters. This comprehensive approach ensures that gender equality remains central to resilience-building efforts across all sustainable development initiatives. The initiatives were implemented through direct collaboration between UN Women, key UN agencies, and national government ministries, particularly MWYCFA and MNPDC. These partnerships ensured effective coordination and sustainable capacity building for gender-responsive programming across the Solomon Islands, establishing a strong foundation for continued progress toward gender equality in the national development agenda.
outcome XM-DAC-41146-SLB_O_1
Advancing business transformation
In 2024, UN Women Solomon Islands demonstrated transformative business model innovation through two flagship programs that delivered substantial impact while maintaining operational agility and fostering continuous improvement. The Markets for Change program reached 449 women directly through targeted services and training across five major markets, creating broader systemic changes that benefited over 4,000 market participants. Complementing this economic empowerment work, the End Violence Against Women (EVAW) programming directly engaged 4,697 women through coordinated interventions while strengthening institutional capacity across 15 partner organizations. The Markets for Change program's business transformation strategy balanced strategic planning with operational innovation. At the policy level, the Western Provincial Government's endorsement of the Market Ordinance established a pioneering financial framework that allocates 50% of market revenue for maintenance and services, creating a sustainable funding mechanism for market operations. This institutional reform was complemented by practical governance improvements, with both Malaita and Western Provincial Governments providing dedicated office spaces for Market Vendor Associations, strengthening communication channels between vendors and authorities. The transformation of market services demonstrated innovative business modeling through digital financial integration. Partnerships with the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund and Telekom introduced vendors to the youSave voluntary savings scheme and M-SELEN mobile money service, particularly benefiting rural vendors who comprise 80% of the population. Professional development elevated vendors' economic participation, with 109 women completing food safety certification through the Ministry of Health, triggering systemic improvements as vendors upgraded their facilities to meet public health standards. In parallel, the EVAW program exemplified business transformation through the establishment of SAFENET as a coordinated national referral system. Operating under a legally binding Memorandum of Understanding among eleven member organizations, this network created sustainable mechanisms for coordinated response. The SAFENET Data Management Protocol introduced standardized intake forms and quarterly reporting mechanisms, achieving a 62% overall technical capacity rating with particular strengths in mission understanding, referral protocols, and data management. Both programs demonstrated agile leadership through responsive adaptation to emerging needs. The Markets for Change program established regular dialogue mechanisms through Project Working Committee and Project Management Committee meetings, creating structured pathways for vendor input. Market Vendor Associations emerged as effective platforms for collective advocacy, with 78 association executives gaining crucial insights through the MVA Forum. Similarly, when challenges emerged in emergency response capabilities, the EVAW program quickly mobilized to strengthen Gender Based Violence in Emergencies capacity across provinces, achieving significant improvements in protection committee members' knowledge - from 19% to 73% in Choiseul Province and 54% to 75% in Western Province. A culture of continuous improvement underpinned both initiatives. In Markets for Change, this was particularly visible in climate resilience integration, with twenty-five MVA members securing active roles in Provincial Disaster Committees and contributing to concrete improvements such as elevated sea walls in Buala and weather protection shelters in Honiara's central market. The EVAW program demonstrated continuous improvement through SAFENET's evolution, with regular reflection sessions leading to enhanced service protocols and coordination mechanisms, supported by systematic collection of gender-disaggregated data. Both programs introduced innovative approaches to community engagement. Project Golkipa under EVAW integrated sports and faith-based platforms to create new pathways for addressing violence against women and girls, while Markets for Change established new models for vendor empowerment through digital inclusion and professional certification. The programs' comprehensive monitoring frameworks reflected their commitment to measuring and adapting approaches. Markets for Change saw eight partners demonstrate increased capacities to advance gender equality, while five multi-stakeholder dialogue processes were established, and 122 women gained enhanced leadership capabilities. The EVAW program similarly strengthened three women's organizations' capacity to deliver and monitor quality services, while establishing sustainable support systems for survivors of violence. Together, these programs exemplify UN Women's successful transformation toward delivering impact at scale through strategic planning, business model innovation, and continuous improvement. By balancing organizational aspirations with operational agility, they have created sustainable models for economic empowerment and violence prevention that strengthen institutional capacity for gender-responsive governance while enhancing opportunities and protection for women across Solomon Islands.Showing 1 - 4 of 4