Australia supports second group of women into construction
Media Release
19 June 2024
Another 22 women from Honiara and rural areas have been selected to undertake training in construction and in solar photovoltaic systems under Australia’s Green Construction Training Program.
At a formal welcome breakfast today for the participants and their family, Australia’s First Secretary Infrastructure, Dr Lazar Maric commended the women for following their dreams and pursuing a career in construction.
“It takes courage to put your hand up, and it takes courage to join what is, in Solomon Islands, Australia, and around the world, a male-dominated sector,” Dr Maric said.
“Together, we are taking small but important steps to improve the way infrastructure is planned, built and maintained. I thank you for sharing our vision of more local workers delivering Australian-supported infrastructure, including women with industry-recognised trade qualifications.”
The Green Construction Training Program is a joint initiative between two Australian programs in partnership with Solomon Islands National University.
Over the next 12 months, the 22 women will be supported by Australia’s Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) through an 18-week Certificate II in Construction, followed by two days Safety at Work training with APTC (Australia Pacific Training Coalition) and a short course on basic solar home PV system design, installation and maintenance led by the Solomon Islands National University.
The first cohort women graduated from the ground-breaking initiative earlier this year, with some already going on to work on Australian-funded infrastructure projects.
Ms Ella Hou, the program’s focal point and SIIP’s Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Coordinator, said the unique program had been a great success.
“Our first group really enjoyed the training, and they worked hard to complete their studies. In every case, they said they graduated feeling more confident and better equipped to get a job, start a company or go on to complete further training.”
“These practical qualifications help open the door for these women to fulfil their dreams, get a good job, and help change the construction industry mindset that women can’t succeed in this sector,” Ms Hou said.
“Where infrastructure is used by women, women should be involved in its design, construction and maintenance. We already see women playing key roles in delivering SIIP-projects around Solomon Islands, including the Honiara Central Market Extension, as well as Early Works at the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre.”
Dr Maric highlighted the importance of skills development in a range of sectors to drive economic growth many of which are supported under the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership.
“These are 22 outstanding, courageous young women, and we celebrate their success as they break new ground in contributing to high quality, inclusive and sustainable infrastructure development.”
The training program is being overseen by Australia’s Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program, which is delivering economic and social infrastructure around Solomon Islands, as well as working with government and the private sector to improve the planning, delivery and maintenance of Solomon Islands’ infrastructure pipeline.
