The Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) has welcomed the Poverty Reduction China-Solomon Islands virtual dialogue.
Minister Freda Rangirei made the acknowledgment during the virtual dialogue when she said her Ministry is one of the smallest government ministries but with one of the biggest mandate.
This is what she outlined, quote
“The Women’s Development Division is responsible for women and its core functions include:
· In collaboration with stakeholders, implement, review, formulate and coordinate national policies and legislations in line with regional and international commitments to gender and women.
· To coordinate national level planning and collaborate in program implementation on gender and women’s development and support similar work in provinces.
· To collaborate with stakeholders, civil society and development partners on research, reviews, evaluation and data collection on women issues, and disseminate information widely.
· To facilitate skills training at national, provincial and community levels, including financial and technical assistance to women and women’s groups as and when possible.
· To provide support to special initiatives for women where existing institutions and agencies are unable to meet.
She added performing these functions effectively across the country is challenging.
She explained the Women’s Division only has six staff, which requires the Women’s Division to try and always be proactive, creative and, importantly, always looking for partnerships, building relationships and cooperation with other government ministries and agencies, civil society organizations, including faith based organizations, and development partners.
End of quote.
Comment
It is surprising that the MWYCFA Women’s Division has so few staff (only six) given its “biggest mandate” and the many challenges the Ministry faces in undertaking its important national role.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
