Lack Of Women Elected In Solomons Disappointing

Lack Of Women Elected To Parliament In The Solomon Islands Disappointing

Wellington, 11. August 2010: The Chair of the New Zealand Parliamentarians’ group on Population and Development, Dr. Jackie Blue MP, is disappointed to hear the news that no women were elected to parliament in the Solomon Islands elections on 4th August.

A total of 25 women contested the elections, out of 509 candidates. It is believed cultural attitudes towards women along with a lack of financial resources among the female candidates made it extremely difficult for them to contest on a level playing field with men.

“Overcoming cultural attitudes can take a long time, but supporting more women into positions of responsibility can help speed up the change in attitudes, as people become more accustomed to seeing women succeed at the top. The government in the Solomon Islands must step up efforts to empower women, but donor countries, international organisations and private sector companies should also do their bit to encourage women into higher positions in the Solomon Islands” says Dr. Blue.

To date, only one woman has ever been elected to parliament in the Solomon Islands.

ENDS

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