Solomon Islands
Marovo Women’s Small Enterprise Development Project (SED)
Duration: 24 months
Start Date: 1 January 2009
End Date: 31 December 2010
Donors: ADRA NZ
Location: Marovo Lagoon, Western Province, Solomon Islands
Beneficiaries: 800 Households, Approximately 810 people
09/10 Budget: NZ$83,720
In the Western Solomon Islands, women have struggled for recognition as equal partners in running the affairs of the local community. Traditionally, the role of women has been restricted to basic domestic duties and the bearing of and caring for children. There has been no expectation for women to play any significant role beyond the home
The Marovo Women’s Small Enterprise Development Project (SED) addresses these issues by establishing a series of training seminars and inviting representatives of the women to attend and discuss business skills, health issues and other related topics that improve their effectiveness. These skills are passed on to others of the group, including husbands and partners, who have not attended the training sessions.
As a result of this project, women are now not only running an income-generating business, they are more confidently voicing their opinions and filling leadership roles in their communities. This change of status is reflected at all levels of the community.
