Independent Review of the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Solomon Islands Country Plan 2013 – 2017

March 2017

1. Introduction

Australia funds a range of activities to advance gender equality and improve the status of women in Solomon Islands under the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development (Pacific Women) program. Established in 2012, Pacific Women is a $320 million, ten-year initiative that works with governments, civil society, regional and multilateral institutions and the private sector in 14 Pacific Island countries. It has four outcomes: increasing women’s leadership and decision-making; increasing women’s economic empowerment; ending violence against women; and enhancing agency.1

The Solomon Islands component of Pacific Women is guided by the 2013 Country Plan which is due to end in April 2017. This review provides an overview of support, key operating changes and an assessment of progress against the 2013 Country Plan outcomes. The Review is informed by a desk-based literature review, reports, studies and evaluations. A Review Team2 held consultations in Honiara and Auki in February 2017 to inform the review and to develop an updated Country Plan for the next four years. The Review Team also conducted the first Pacific Women Reflection Workshop for Solomon Islands.3

2. The Pacific Women Solomon Islands Country Plan 2013-2017

Under Pacific Women, Australia has committed $34.8 million over ten years to activities to advance the status of women in Solomon Islands.4 This comes from regional and bilateral funds. Australia is on track to meet this commitment, with expenditure of $13.96m to the end June 2017.

An initial Solomon Islands Country Plan (January 2013) identified two activities for support: Channels of Hope, implemented by World Vision and Markets for Change, implemented by UN Women and funded from regional program funds.

A design mission was undertaken later in 2013 to more-fully develop a program of support for the next four years. The result of this mission was a more comprehensive, but still nascent, Country Plan with four expected outcomes:

› Strengthen the capacity of Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA)

› Improve market governance, management, infrastructure and services to increase women’s economic empowerment and reduce violence against women

› Reduce violence against women in 30 communities› Strengthen the design and monitoring of Australian funded aid programs to better respond to the

needs of women.5

Thirteen activities were funded over the following four years (see Annex A). Some activities extended the program beyond the outcome areas identified in the 2013 Country Plan but maintained alignment with the four outcomes of Pacific Women. These additions were appropriate

1 Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development website, http://pacificwomen.org/about/about-pwspd/2 Sarah Kernot (Team Leader, international consultant); Suzanne Bent (Deputy Team Leader, DFAT First Secretary, Gender Suva); and Afu Billy (Solomon Islands consultant).3 Pacific Women uses Reflection Workshops as a tool to analyse context, review progress and share lessons learnt. Workshops are attended by stakeholders including partner governments, service providers, women’s groups and implementing partners.4 Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Solomon Islands Country Plan Summary, April 20145 Solomon Islands Country Plan Version 2 – June 2013 (unpublished)

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and reflect positively on funding flows and resourcing of Australia’s support to gender equality in Solomon Islands.

3. The context since 2013

There have been substantial shifts in the operating context since the first Country Plan was developed.

Important legislative and policy reforms have progressed. The passing in 2014 and gazettal in 2016 of the Family Protection Act (FPA) was a milestone for the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) and people. Other relevant SIG achievements during the review period include: passing of the Political Parties Integrities Act (2014) which introduced a 10% quota for women in political parties; inclusion of gender equality performance indicators for Permanent Secretaries along with Gender Focal Points for Ministries; submission to the UN of the CEDAW6 country and shadow reports; establishment of SafeNet referral system for case management of survivors of violence; and the development and revision of key gender related policies, including the updated Gender Equality and Women’s Development policy, the Ending Violence Against Women policy, the strategy on Economic Empowerment for Women and Girls and a National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.

While a national women’s machinery and a number of women’s issues focused CSOs have been operational in Solomon Islands for a number of years, two proactive, women’s rights-based CSOs are gaining in influence. The Women’s Rights Action Movement (WRAM), established in 2014, is the first independent feminist rights-based organisation in Solomon Islands. The Young Women’s Parliamentary Group, established in 2011, is comprised of young, educated women advocating on key issues of public concern.

The transition of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) development programs to Australia’s bilateral aid program in July 2013 was followed by the integration of AusAID and DFAT7 in November 2013. Pacific Women activities for Solomon Islands were now framed within a much larger portfolio of work, increasing opportunities for mainstreaming and partner engagement on gender equality across a broader aid, foreign policy and public diplomacy agenda. Subsequent program and staff restructuring and rationalization created challenges and opportunities, for example the Gender Equality Working Group led by the Head of Mission, not anticipated during the design of the 2013 Country Plan has helped to embed gender across Post programs.

4. Progress of investments in the 2013 Country Plan

This section outlines achievements against the outcomes of the 2013 Country Plan followed by a brief assessment of the additional Pacific Women investments in Solomon Islands. The Country Plan does not have a dedicated monitoring and evaluation framework8 therefore this review is informed by individual project evaluations and reports, DFAT’s annual Aid Quality Checks and stakeholder consultations. (Annex C provides a list of people consulted).

4.1 Progress against Country Plan outcomes

a) Strengthen the capacity of MWYCFA

Technical support ($683,831: 2013-17) was provided to the Ministry through long-term national advisors and short-term international advisors. Positions were agreed by DFAT and MWYCFA and aligned with the joint priorities of the Ministry and Pacific Women. All advisors were recruited and funded through the Solomon Islands Resource Facility (SIRF) and its predecessor facilities, an

6 Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women7 Australian Agency for International Development and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade8 A Performance Assessment Framework for gender was developed in 2015 as part of the Aid Investment Plan, but this was not tailored to Pacific Women activities.

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arrangement that reduced fiduciary risk while providing a relatively low-maintenance management option for DFAT.

Advisors supported the Ministry to undertake its core functions while strengthening capacity to develop, review and implement key policies. For example, DFAT’s Social Development Advisor worked with MWYCFA to complete the strategy for the Economic Empowerment for Women and Girls and its Action Plan and M&E Framework and provided M&E training to MWYCFA staff.

Support provided to MWYCFA through Pacific Women complemented the support provided to the Ministry by Australia’s Justice Program to progress implementation of the FPA.

b) Improve market governance

Markets for Change ($2.76m: 2014-19) is implemented by UN Women and operates in three countries: Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu. It aims to improve the working conditions, leadership capabilities and earning power of women market vendors. In Solomon Islands Markets for Change operates in Honiara Central Market and Auki Market.

There is evidence of improved market governance arrangements and strengthened leadership and voice of women market vendors. Both city councils have increased consultation with market vendors, for example, Honiara City Council invited vendors to participate in budget approval processes. Market vendor associations (MVA) were established in both markets and three Annual General Meetings have been held for each. In December 2016, Honiara MVA had 339 (323 female) paid members while Auki MVA had 62 (54 female). Women head both associations. MVAs at both markets have experienced difficulties in governance, however a successful membership drive in Honiara in December 2016 suggests the MVA is now operating well enough to attract new members. New levels of cooperation and conversation between the Honiara and Auki MVAs and Honiara City Council and Malaita Provincial Government market management respectively, has resulted in MVA Executive members being invited to joint meetings and combined efforts to plan and progress market improvements.

The smaller Auki MVA has demonstrated entrepreneurial thinking in establishing a savings club and loan facility as well as a cooperative store. Both the savings and loan mechanisms have the potential to provide accessible, contextualised options for women to safeguard their earnings. However, both need careful monitoring by Markets for Change management to address concerns around governance and to embed appropriate protections. For example, protections for the loan facility which accepts red shell money as collateral.

Market vendors attended training in financial literacy and business-related activities such as produce presentation and customer relations, record keeping and pricing. Training for council representatives and market management aims to increase their responsiveness and accountability to women market vendors.

Overall the activity is on track to achieve its objectives.

c) Reduce violence against women in 30 communities

Four activities directly contributed to this outcome: Channels of Hope, Let’s Make our Families Safe (Safe Families), Red Cardim Vaelens and Youth and Alcohol. Together these investments reached more than the 30 communities envisaged and there is evidence of behaviour change resulting from some of the projects.

Channels of Hope ($2.88m: 2013-17), implemented by World Vision, is a community-based activity that aims to reduce family violence by using faith-based messages to explore gender roles and relations. It is implemented in 15 communities in Temotu and 15 in Guadalcanal under the auspices of Pacific Women and elsewhere in Solomon Islands with funding from ANCP.9

9 Australian NGO Cooperation Program

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A 2015 independent evaluation of the Channels of Hope activities that fall under Pacific Women assessed that the program is culturally appropriate and supported by those communities where the message is being effectively communicated. It found evidence of positive change and this was attributed to the program. Benefits included increased dialogue within homes and communities about violence, reductions in the frequency and severity of violence, and increased understanding amongst young women and children of gender relations. The evaluation made a series of recommendations for areas that required improvement, but overall the findings were positive and, as such, the activity was extended for two years to March 2017.10

Safe Families ($5.64m: 2014-17) was designed for Pacific Women Solomon Islands in line with the 2013 Country Plan. The intention was to take an innovative and longer-term approach to addressing family violence through a ten-year investment delivered in 24 communities in two provinces – Malaita and Temotu – over three phases. Oxfam is implementing the first three-year phase in partnership with the National Council of Women, Vois Blong Mere Solomon and the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA). The Pacific Leadership Program provides training on leadership and strategies for bringing about change. IOD PARC manages a dedicated process of monitoring, evaluation and learning.

The ambitious nature of Safe Families along with staff turnover contributed to a slow start for the program. However achievements are evident. Particularly relevant are the provincial alliances established under the program which have facilitated coordination and cooperation among the Provincial Councils of Women, hospitals, police, NGOs and other provincial-level service providers. It appears that the Temotu Alliance has been especially successful in gathering support from key decision-makers within communities and thinking creatively to achieve results with few resources. Consultations revealed that members of the alliances regard them as positive initiatives – membership is credited with improved communication, greater consistency of messages on violence, and joint missions to communities. The Provincial Councils of Women appear to be stronger as a result of their participation.

The Safe Families grant mechanism funded 17 activities, valued at SBD2.6m (approx. AUD432,000), in prevention and response to family violence. Overall, the mechanism is viewed positively, although implementation has just commenced so performance of grantees is unable to be assessed at this point. Issues raised to the review team, including lack of clarity regarding the eligibility of applicants, highlight the need for more effective communication between the program and participating communities.

There is evidence in both Malaita and Temotu to suggest the benefits of Safe Families are being felt beyond those communities that are direct recipients. For example, in Temotu the Mother’s Union is taking the Safe Families messages disseminated in a participating community into other communities in the province.

Not all aspects of the investment are viewed positively. Safe Families has limited reach, operating in only 24 communities with two Provincial Alliances. As such, it is an expensive model, especially when assessed as part of Australia’s total package of support for gender, raising questions about value for money. Nevertheless, the program is contributing to change and the provincial alliances have potential to bring long-term benefits. The evidence on gender interventions suggests that change will not happen without such alliances.11

The Youth and Alcohol project ($800,000: 2015-16) is implemented by Save the Children in ten communities in Honiara and Malaita. Research undertaken during the initial stages on implementation informed the design of interventions to reduce alcohol-fuelled violence. The

10 Curth-Bibb, J., et al, 2015, Evaluation Report Weather Coast and Temotu Community Channels of Hope Project Phase 111 See for example, Office of Development Effectiveness, 2014, Women’s Leadership: evidence review, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

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research report Alcohol, other substance abuse and related harms among young people in the Solomon Islands provides a useful assessment of the challenges facing youth in Solomon Islands. The research can inform future work being undertaken in this area. DFAT granted a three-month no-cost extension to December 2016, with reporting to follow.

Red Cardim Vaelens ($557,810: 2015-17), implemented by Live and Learn, works through sports clubs in Honiara and Auki to engage with young men to end violence against women. The program is the only Pacific Women Solomon Islands investment that specifically targets men and boys. To date the program has had limited reach to sporting clubs in Honiara. An analysis of impact is forthcoming.12

d) Strengthen the design and monitoring of Australian funded programs

A Social Development Advisor was engaged in 2014 to develop the knowledge of DFAT staff in gender equality with a particular focus on mainstreaming across the aid program. The advisor participated in the design of the education program, provided mentoring to DFAT staff and the SafeNet Coordinator and facilitated engagement between DFAT and SIG ministries. The advisor assisted MYWCFA with policy development (noted above) and conducted training for SIG’s Gender Focal Points. This arrangement was not as effective as envisaged and the position was brought to an early conclusion.

Nevertheless, progress in gender mainstreaming was evident, with DFAT program managers demonstrating good understanding of the gendered aspects and achievements of aid investments. Particularly relevant are investments in:

Health that support sexual and reproductive health and response to family violence (SafeNet) Justice that supported the passing and ongoing implementation of the FPA Economic Diplomacy that support women’s economic empowerment Political that supports political parties, Temporary Special Measures and electoral reform.

Outside the Pacific Women investments, DFAT entered into six major new agreements in Solomon Islands during the review period.13 There is some evidence of gender analysis informing these investments although it is not as strong as was likely envisaged during the development of the Country Plan. The design document for the Education program is relatively strong in this regard, proposing a range of strategies working at different levels to address gender inequities. The Skills for Economic Growth design gives a nod to gender but little indication that a robust analysis was undertaken to inform new or innovative approaches to addressing inequities. The relatively small Seasonal Worker Program requires gender equity but misses the opportunity to give deep consideration to women’s empowerment. Given the focus on gender equality in DFAT’s high-level strategies and targets, there appears to be ample scope for the Solomon Islands program to increase its gender analysis in new designs.

Responsibility for management of gender-specific activities at the Australian High Commission is divided between Economic and Human Development teams. Achievements in both areas indicate that this sharing of responsibilities is effective.

The High Commission’s Gender Equality Working Group (GEWG), established in 2015, is also an effective initiative. With the Head of Mission as Chair, the Group raises the profile of gender equality across all areas of work and the GEWG Action Plan identifies responsibilities for all DFAT staff to demonstrate progress against. The GEWG is a cost effective option for progressing gender mainstreaming and the High Commission should be commended for its work in this area.

4.2 Progress of additional investments and cross-cutting issues

12 Live and Learn, 2016, Red Cardim Vaelens Interim Report p413 Skills for Economic Growth, Tina River Hydro, Seasonal Worker Program, Education Sector Program 2, IFC’s Empowering Women is Smart Business and Health Sector Support Program Phase 3.

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Funding for the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA) ($485,000: 2014-17) sits outside the 2013 Country Plan outcome areas but directly aligns with the women’s economic empowerment outcome of Pacific Women. SIWIBA is a membership-based organisation that supports and represents women small-business holders in the formal and informal sectors.

SIWIBA has the potential to fulfill its mandate, although some activities are not progressing as envisaged. The Resource Centre is under-utilised, governance structures need strengthening and the Mere’s Market has experienced a range of challenges. Further demonstration that SIWIBA is capitalizing on opportunities for its members and engaging with relevant organisations, community events and provincial members is needed.

In 2016, Australia entered into a partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for a new four-year, $2.3m investment, Empowering Women is Smart Business. The program engages with the private sector in Solomon Islands to: increase women’s participation in the formal sector through improvements to the business environment; expand opportunities for women in non-traditional jobs and emerging sectors; and improve employability skills and opportunities for women. It is too early to expect results, but progress to date indicates that the investment has potential to have a positive impact. The program is not identified as a Pacific Women investment but its contribution to women’s economic empowerment is evident. This Review recommends that the investment be included in the Pacific Women Solomon Islands Country Plan 2017 – 2021.

Three pieces of research were supported during the Country Plan period. With the popularity of savings clubs on the rise, IWDA’s The Double Burden14 provides timely analysis and recommendations on the impacts of savings clubs and other economic activity on women’s time and responsibilities. A Women’s Leadership and Decision-making Scoping Study 15 will inform efforts to strengthen work in this area. A review of EVAW initiatives is on-going.

Other noteworthy initiatives of DFAT are the Gender Donor Working Group, established in 2014 and the EVAW Community of Practice, established in 2016. Both groups aim to facilitate communication amongst government, donors, CSOs and other stakeholders working in these areas in Solomon Islands. The Gender Donor Working Group fluctuates in effectiveness and would benefit from a clearer definition of purpose and strengthened collective ownership. Nevertheless, the ability of both groups to support coordination and knowledge-sharing appears valuable.

DFAT’s annual Aid Quality Checks (AQCs) assess progress of investments in Australia’s aid program. This review considered AQCs for the Pacific Women Solomon Islands activities as well as AQCs for all ongoing investments in Solomon Islands. The AQCs that primarily pertain to Pacific Women over the past four years received scores of satisfactory or above for all categories except monitoring and evaluation (M&E).16 This category was consistently assessed as needing improvement, largely due to the absence of a dedicated M&E framework.

For other investments, the success of gender mainstreaming is reflected in the ratings for the AQC category of Gender Equality. Eight of the ten ongoing investments in the Solomon Islands aid program rated satisfactory or above for gender equality for the last four years. Including Final AQCs, the Solomon Islands Program came slightly under the DFAT target of 80% of investments rating satisfactory or above. The Governance program saw a shift from needing improvement in 2014-15 to satisfactory in 2016. Rural Livelihoods programs under-performed consistently, highlighting the need for DFAT to maintain pressure on the World Bank to give adequate attention to gender equality in

14 IWDA, 2016, The Double Burden: The impact of women’s economic empowerment initiatives on women’s workload15 Tavola H., Billy A., and Kama, J., 2016, Advancing Australia’s work on leadership and decision-making “The Next Level” Scoping study on women in leadership and decision-making.16 The AQC categories are: Relevance, Effectiveness, Efficiency, M&E, Sustainability, Gender Equality and Risks and Safeguards.

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investment designs and implementation. Similarly, pressure on ADB to give due consideration to gender should be maintained. (The AQC scores are included in Annex B.)

Disability is not directly addressed in the Pacific Women Solomon Islands investments which is unfortunate given that women with disabilities are particularly vulnerable. Nevertheless, the High Commission does engage with People With Disability Solomon Islands, a valuable local resource.

The Country Plan performed reasonably well in terms of sustainability. It was informed by a comprehensive design process and reflected an in-depth understanding of the context. It aligned with the relevant policies of the Australian and Solomon Islands Governments and it worked with and strengthened local institutions. The long-term and innovative approach to violence prevention was ambitious but appropriate to Australia’s funding commitments and focus on innovation. Resourcing pressures are likely to be a feature of the operating environment going forward so DFAT will need to ensure that efficiencies and value for money continue to be a focus.

5. Conclusion

When assessed against the outcomes articulated in the 2013 Country Plan, Pacific Women Solomon Islands can be considered to have demonstrated achievements against each objective:

the capacity of MWYCFA was strengthened; violence was reduced in more than 30 communities: indications of positive change in

targeted communities, including reductions in the frequency and severity of violence, attitudinal change toward acceptance of violence and more equitable gender relations, was evident. Activities delivered in more than 60 communities;

market governance, infrastructure and management was improved in two target marketplaces; and

achievements were made in gender mainstreaming, demonstrated through specific gender responsive activities in sector programs including health, justice, economic diplomacy and political. (It is difficult to assess improvements in this last area. The AQCs are one indicator but more rigorous assessments can also result in lower ratings.)

While the outcomes identified for the 2013 Country Plan were modest, the additional investments in ending violence against women, women’s economic empowerment and research extended achievements beyond those envisaged. This is considered appropriate for this stage of program maturity, and given the changes to the operating and resourcing context.

Priority areas to address going forward include:

Geographic spread and urban-rural focus of investments should be reviewed to maximize reach, resource efficiencies and coordination opportunities, particularly at the community level. The violence prevention investments provide an opportunity for the program to engage in a meaningful way at the provincial and community levels. Given the relatively high-cost of reaching these areas, it is essential that this aspect of the program is working efficiently and achieving value for money. Innovative activities, such as the provincial alliances, have potential to maximize reach and long-term impact and continued support should be considered in line with the third recommendation below. Improved coordination is needed to ensure that a strategic, needs-based approach is taken to identify which provinces and communities are targeted for interventions;

Australia should consider funding and institutional strengthening support to targeted EVAW service providers and review the proportional spend on prevention activities: a high proportion of funding ($9m: 68%) supports activities that address EVAW. The focus was on primary prevention (community-based activities that seek to address underlying causes) and, to a lesser extent, secondary prevention (delivery of crisis services). This reflected the original Country Plan design team’s consultations that identified EVAW as the key priority. With 64% of women and girls in Solomon Islands experiencing violence, this focus is justified

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and expected to continue. The inadequacy of access, quality and reach of services for women and girls affected by violence (eg. case management, counselling, medical and justice services) has become more prominent following passage of the FPA. SIG budget allocations are likely to remain insufficient to support these service needs;

given funding agreements for most of the EVAW activities will come to an end by April 2018, DFAT should holistically assess the EVAW program portfolio with a view to rationalizing the number and scope of investments to maximize good practice/performance elements of respective activities and implementing partners, using an evidence-based approach;

implementation of agreed recommendations from the Women’s Leadership and Decision-making Scoping Study (completed December 2016) will re-balance the limited support provided to date to address women’s leadership and agency; and

close monitoring of the relatively new women’s economic empowerment initiatives will help assess whether activities are achieving intended outcomes and working collaboratively where appropriate. Empowering Women is Smart Business should be included in the Pacific Women Solomon Islands Country Plan 2017 – 2021.

There is an increasing body of evidence that demonstrates the value of addressing gender equality in development programming in all sectors. The Australian High Commission in Honiara should be commended for its achievements in gender mainstreaming.

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Annex A: Pacific Women Solomon Islands Key Activities 2013- 2017** All figures are AUD and are exclusive of GST unless otherwise stated

Activity Name Activity Summary Expected Outcomes Achievements during period

Ending violence against women and girls

Channels of HopeImplemented by World Vision 1 Apr 2013 – 31 Mar 2018$2,879,357.62

This activity aims to reduce violence against women in 30 communities across two provinces (15 communities in Temotu and 15 communities in Weather Coast Guadalcanal). It draws on messages from the Bible and Christianity to explore gender roles and power dynamics that lead to discrimination and violence. Support services are linked in to assist survivors of violence and address problems of substance abuse and conflict.

Target communities demonstrate changed behaviours in relation to the value of men and women, girls and boys

Target communities have improved linkages to support services for the victims of domestic violence

Target communities demonstrate improved methods of addressing substance abuse and conflict (including domestic violence)

Trainings and workshops delivered to 5,775 people (2,509 women and 3,266 men). Police and health workers assisted with trainings on topics such as gender-based violence, services available to survivors of violence, and substance abuse.

Twenty community volunteers (6 women and 14 men) trained to conduct COH workshops in target communities.

An independent evaluation found that the program was performing well overall – there was evidence of positive change and it was attributed to the program. The evaluation found that the program is culturally appropriate and supported by those communities where the message is being effectively communicated. Benefits cited included:o increased dialogue within homes and communities

about violenceo reductions in the frequency and severity of violence, and o increased understanding amongst young women and

children of gender relations. Community Focal Points have established strong

relationships with local service providers and are helping survivors to access services – although in some cases logistical problems were insurmountable. There were some successes in stopping the circulation of drugs.

Let’s Make our Families Safe Implemented by Oxfam, Solomon Islands National Council of Women, Vois

This activity supports existing and new community level action to prevent family violence. It facilitates coalitions between civil society groups, services

In targeted provinces women report that they have options for dealing with family violence when it occurs and that their communities have

Family Violence Prevention Action Committees established and increasingly recognised by community leadership. Community action plans developed to prevent and respond to family violence.

Provincial Alliances established and trained in principles of

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Blong Mere Solomon, International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA), Pacific Leadership Program (PLP) and IOD PARC14 Oct 2014 – 31 Mar 2018$5,642,461

providers, churches and government agencies that are working to prevent family violence. The program is implemented in 24 communities in two provinces.

strategies to prevent family violence

Service providers in targeted provinces are now identifying and responding to victims of family and sexual violence

partnership. Alliances are contributing to improved understanding and coordination of gender-based violence messaging and services.

Improved understanding in communities of causes of family violence.

Reduction in incidence of family violence in target communities.

Changed attitudes and behaviour in communities around the roles of men and women.

Evidence of program’s messaging extending beyond target communities.

Red Cardim VaelensImplemented by Live and Learn 1 Jun 2015 – 30 Sep 2017$557,810

This activity works with sports clubs to reduce violence against women by supporting behaviour change among young men (15–24 years of age).

Increased awareness of and demand by men to end VAW

There is a networked leadership program within sporting clubs supporting men to end VAW

There is evidence and knowledge documented on how sporting clubs can support and change policy and practice in relation to VAW.

To date the program has had limited reach to sporting clubs in Honiara. An analysis of impact is forthcoming.

Youth and alcoholImplemented by Save the Children5 Jun 2015 – 30 Jun 2017$800,000

This activity aims to reduce the adverse health, social and economic consequences of alcohol and substance use by addressing gender stereotypes, masculinity and providing a space where young people can discuss their concerns in a safe environment.

Communities and young people supported to understand and address the root causes of harmful alcohol use amongst young people

Service providers better able to provide support and information related to alcohol misuse amongst young people.

A research report was produced: Save the Children Australia, 2016, Alcohol, other substance

abuse and related harms among young people in the Solomon Islands

The report provides an assessment of the challenges facing youth in Solomon Islands. The research can inform future work being undertaken in this area.

Family Support Centre(Funded from Safe Families )

This activity will support the Family Support Centre to conduct awareness-raising

Women and children will be given refuge from family violence and be provided with

Core funding allowed the Family Support Centre to provide services for women affected by violence and deliver awareness-raising activities. Family Support Centre successfully leveraged

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2015 – 2016

$300,000 funding included under Safe Families

activities and provide services for women and children affected by violence.

legal services and counselling Family Support Centre’s

organisational management will be strengthened

funding from other sources during the period.

Activity Name Activity Summary Expected Outcomes Achievements during period

Women’s Economic Empowerment

Markets for Change Implemented by UN Women1 Feb 2014 – 30 Jun 2019 $2,761,470Funding included for this review to end 16/17 is AUD1,766,185

(includes $300,000 from SIGP)

This project supports improvements to market governance, management, infrastructure and access to financial services to increase women’s economic empowerment and ensure markets are more sustainable, accessible and safe for women vendors.

Women market vendors and their coalitions have the skills to lead market reform.

Local government and market management are accountable to promoting women vendors’ economic rights and gender equality in markets.

Improved market infrastructure, systems, and services contribute to women’s economic opportunity and empowerment in the context of the market.

There is evidence of improved market governance arrangements and strengthened leadership and voice of women market vendors.

Market vendor associations (MVA) were established in both markets and three Annual General Meetings have been held for each.

MVA Executives trained in governance. Training for members included: product presentation and pricing; customer relations; record keeping; and budgeting.

The Auki MVA established a savings club with loan facility and a cooperative store.

Improvements were made to waste management, infrastructure and cleanliness of markets.

Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA)10 Sep 2014 – 30 November 2017$485,000

This activity will increase economic opportunities for women in the formal and informal sectors in Solomon Islands through skills training, networking, saving clubs and exploration of business ventures.

Women will have the skills to establish and run profitable businesses in the formal and informal sectors.

Women will be empowered to seek and utilise economic opportunities.

Business Development Centre established and training for members held in: Floral Display; Leadership and good governance; Phonics Reading System; Start Your Own Business training (ILO Accredited); Advanced sewing; Cooking

Activities included: Mere’s Markets; Women in Business Awards; saving clubs; newsletters; and launch of website.

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Activity Name Activity Summary Expected Outcomes Achievements during period

Strengthening the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs

Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA)2013 - 2016$683,831

This activity aims to strengthen the capacity of MWYCFA to progress its priority outcomes in accordance with its Gender Equality and Women’s Development Policy, particularly in relation to elimination of violence against women, women’s economic empowerment and women’s leadership.

Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs institutional capacity, strategy and policy are strengthened.

Consultations and advocacy on gender issues expanded beyond Honiara.

Improved Solomon Islands Govt. gender mainstreaming.

Donors demonstrate stronger harmonisation and more effectiveness in supporting the MWYCFA.

Solomon Islands and Australia maximise their input on the Executive Board of UN Women.

The capacity of MWYCFA was strengthened through short-term and long-term technical assistance:

o Women’s Economic Empowerment Desk Officer (long-term national adviser);

o Institutional strengthening (multiple short-term inputs from international adviser);

o Affirmative Action Strategy (multiple short-term inputs from international adviser);

o Development of a National Action Plan for Women Peace and Security (short-term international adviser).

Support provided through Pacific Women complemented support from Australia’s Justice Program to progress implementation of the Family Protection Act.

Improved gender outcomes in Australian funded aid programs

Social Development Adviser2014$200,000 including under funding support to MWYCFA

The activity aims improve gender considerations in planning and programming, as well as monitoring and learning in all Australia funded aid programs through targeted in-house technical advice

Technical expertise on gender and social analysis is strengthened

Australian aid programs demonstrate better results for women and girls, and better overall development results

Uptake of more robust evidence to support assessments of gender equality

The Social Development Adviser: conducted gender equality training for staff at the Australian

High Commission and SIG Gender Focal Points worked with High Commission staff to identify opportunities

to strengthen gender outcomes of aid investments.

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Activity Name Activity Summary Expected Outcomes Achievements during period

Research and reports

Do No Harm; The Relationship between Violence Against Women and Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Pacific

IWDA and State Society and Governance in Melanesia (SSGM)2013-2016$170,532.56

This research seeks to answer the question of how to empower women economically and improve their livelihood security without compromising their safety.

Two research papers were produced:Eves, R. and Crawford, J., 2014, Do No Harm: The

Relationship between Violence against Women andWomen’s Economic Empowerment in the Pacific State,Society and Governance in Melanesia In-Brief 2014/3

IWDA, 2016, The Double Burden: The Impact of Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiatives on Women’s Workload

The research demonstrated that, in Solomon Islands, women’s increased involvement in community financial management and income generation has not necessarily led to a redistribution of caring work or other unpaid household and community responsibilities. The findings also suggest that time-use, including roles within Savings Clubs, was a source of conflict within some households, particularly if it was seen as impinging on women’s family responsibilities.

Women’s Leadership and Decision-making Scoping Study2016$100,000

The activity considers how DFAT’s existing and new investments in Solomon Islands can incorporate women’s leadership and decision-making.

DFAT will have options for strengthening investments, advocacy and engagement in the areas of women’s leadership and decision-making in Solomon Islands.

One report was produced: Tavola, H., et al., 2016, Advancing Australia’s Work on

Leadership and Decision-making “The Next Level” Scoping Study on Women in Leadership and Decision Making.

The report proposed interventions in twelve areas.

Ending Violence Against Women Evaluation2016$35,000

The activity reviews Australia’s investment in EVAW in Solomon Islands in order to inform future programming.

DFAT’s EVAW programming is appropriate to the context and informed by evidence of success in Solomon Islands.

A review and assessment of M&E data of DFAT EVAW investments in Solomon Islands is forthcoming.

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Annex B: Aid Quality Check ratings for the period 2013-2017

Table 1: Aid Quality Checks for Pacific Women Solomon Islands

Year

Rele

vanc

e

Effec

tiven

ess

Effici

ency

Mon

itorin

g an

d ev

alua

tion

Sust

aina

bilit

y

Gend

er

Equa

lity

Risk

s and

sa

fegu

ards

2017 5 4 4 5 4 5 NA2016 5 4 4 3 4 5 42015 5 4 4 3 5 4 42014 5 4 4 3 4 4 42013 6 4 4 4 5 5

Table 2: Aid Quality Check Gender Equality Ratings

AQC Year GenderEquality

AQC Year GenderEquality

Rural Livelihoods 2017 3 Statistics 2017 32016 3 2016 42015 3 2015 52014 3 2014 52013 5 Education 2017 4

Justice 2017 4 2016 52016 4 2015 42015 4 2014 42014 4 2013 32013 3 Dem. Governance 2017 3

Transport 2017 5 2016 42016 5 2015 42015 4 2014 42014 4 2013 42013 4 Tina River 2017 5

Urban Water 2017 4 2016 42016 4 2015 42015 4 Health Phase 3 2017 4

Governance 2017 3 Health Phase 2 2016 42016 4 2015 42015 3 2014 42014 3 2013 42013 4

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Annex C: Consultations

Consultations for the Review and Revision of the 2013 Pacific Women Solomon Islands Country Plan were held with the following people.

NAME ORGANISATION POSITIONHONIARAH.E. Rod Brazier DFAT High CommissionerH.E. Michael Hassett DFAT Minister Counsellor and Deputy

High CommissionerMelissa Stutsel DFAT Counsellor - Human DevelopmentKaryn Murray DFAT Counsellor – Governance

and JusticeFiona Hoggart DFAT Counsellor – PoliticalGina De Pretto DFAT First Secretary - Health, Water and

Gender EqualityGrant Follet DFAT First Secretary - Governance and

JusticeJane Bastin-Sikimeti DFAT First Secretary – EducationAlexandra Hutchison DFAT First Secretary – InfrastructureRebecca Gibb DFAT First Secretary – Performance & Aid

QualityTanya Morjanoff DFAT Second Secretary – Growth &

LivelihoodsAlexandra Little DFAT Second Secretary – Political Chantelle Boland DFAT Second Secretary - Health &

Gender EqualitySarah Leary DFAT Second Secretary – Economic

Diplomacy, Trade and StrategyEdnah Ramoau DFAT Senior Program Manager – Gender

EqualityJudy Arumae DFAT Senior Program Manager –

InfrastructureDebbie Sade DFAT Senior Program Manager – HealthJessica Suri DFAT Senior Program Manager – Justice Ellison Gauwani DFAT Senior Program Manager –

Education & ScholarshipsElla Kauhue DFAT Program Manager – Private Sector

Development and Financial Inclusion

Bridget Sitai DFAT Program Manager – GovernanceAlice Eric DFAT Program Manager – Education &

ScholarshipsNatalina Hong DFAT Program Manager – SkillsMoses Tongare DFAT Program Manager – Education –

StatisticsBrown Onahikeni DFAT Program Manager – Growth &

LivelihoodsFlorrie Alalo DFAT Assistant Program Manager –

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Gender Equality Carol Qilakomal DFAT Assistant Program Manager –

Justice

Hudson Ilala DFAT Assistant Program Manager - Economic Diplomacy & Trade

Ethel Sigimanu MWYCFA Permanent Secretary Vaela Devesi MWYCFA Acting Director - Women’s

Development Division (WDD)Elsie Wickham MWYCFA Women’s Economic Empowerment

- AdvisorRuth Maetala International Finance Corp. CoordinatorMaria Adelaida Alberto World Vision Gender Program ManagerDoreen Fernando Oxfam Country DirectorKiri Dicker Oxfam Gender Justice ManagerSamantha Tuti Pacific Leadership Program SI Country ManagerDavid Waura RSIPF Community Policing Deputy Director - Community

PolicingJohn Maneuea RSIPF Community Policing Supervisor - National Community

PolicingKim Abbey Seif Ples Centre ManagerLynffer Wini- Maltungtung

Family Support Centre Centre Manager

Sr. Phyllis Sau Christian Care Centre Sister-in-ChargeRegina Gatu-Pokana GPPOL Sustainability ManagerKatherine Passmore Asian Development Bank Private Sector Development

CoordinatorAgus Wandi UNDP Social Cohesion and Development

SpecialistProject Manager UN PBF

Alvina Erekali UN Women Country Program CoordinatorAnika Kingmele UNICEFPioni Boso Women’s Rights Action

Movement (WRAM)Program Manager

Savina Nongebatu People with Disabilities Solomon Islands

Office Manager and member of Pacific Women Advisory Board

Kristy Nowland UN Women Markets for Change

Manager, Solomon Islands

Sharon Tohaimae, UN Women Markets for Change

M&E Officer

Colin Potakana UN Women Markets for Change

National Project Coordinator

Maureen Sariki Honiara Central Market Vendor’s Association

President

Casper Fa’asala Solomon Islands National Council of Women

Acting General Secretary

Claire Febey Save the Children Australia Acting Country DirectorNerol Vaekesa Olea Save the Children Australia Youth & Disaster Risk Reduction

ManagerMargot Szamier Consultant Women Peace & Security Advisor

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Dalcy Tekulu SIWIBA PresidentPamela Zoloveke SIWIBA SecretaryJulie Haro SIWIBA Vice PresidentNina Tuhaika SIWIBA CoordinatorLydia Yeo Vois Blong Mere Solomon MemberYvonne Ono Young Women’s Christian

Association of Solomon Islands (YWCA SI)

Rise Up Coordinator

Clarine Toki YWCA SI Rise Up Assistant CoordinatorJoan Haeta YWCA SI Finance ManagerDiane Ma’ahoro YWCA SI Rise Up FacilitatorRuth Liloqula Commissioner Political Parties Integrity

CommissionAtenasi Wasuka UN Women UN Joint Programme Essential

Services CoordinatorFalu Maesugea Seif Ples CoordinatorEnder Rence Women in Media Solomon

Islands (WIMSI)Executive Member

Ruby Awa Women’s Rights Action Movement (WRAM)

Board Member

Ursula Nongebatu Barava FM Radio PresenterLeah Alufo’oa Correctional Service of

Solomon IslandsSuperintendant/Director Strategic Planning

Josephine Teakeni Vois Blong Mere Solomon DirectorPamela Morgan APTC Country ManagerJocelyn Lai YWCA SI General Secretary Alice Hou Guadalcanal Council of

WomenVice President

Selina Berah Guadalcanal Council of Women

Member

Emily Peoa SI National Council of Women

Finance Officer

Leotina Harihiru Retired Teacher’s Women’s Association

Member

Mary Susurua Solomon Islands National Teacher’s Association

Member

Mary Vunagi Mothers Union Church of Melanesia

Provincial President

Jennifer Wate West Are Are Rokotanikeni Association (WARA)

Coordinator

Angela Doris Tahani Tikopia in Sports FounderMALAITA PROVINCE (AUKI)Hon Peter Ramohia Malaita Province PremierNelson Sobo Oxfam Coordinator - Safe FamiliesSamantha Kereka Oxfam Finance Officer - Safe FamiliesJohn Wate Save the Children Provincial Team Leader Peterson Dime Save the Children Leader - School Board

Strengthening Project Team Maria Toreni Save the Children Protectim Pikinini Project OfficerAlvin Sibisoa Save the Children Youth and Alcohol Project Officer

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Chistopher Leguhavi Save the Children Youth and Alcohol Project Officer David Fiumae Live and Learn Project Officer Red Cardim Vaelens Graham Tahu World Vision Area ManagerDorothy Galo World Vision Project CoordinatorPatrick Oli World Vision Channels of HopeJanet Ramo Auki Market Vendors Assoc President, Vendors AssociationJackson Olea Auki Market Vendors Assoc Executive MemberFaye Saemala Inter Church Fellowship PresidentJanet Lulu Inter Church Fellowship Vice PresidentMay Iroi Family Support Centre CoordinatorMartha Rurai Malaita Provincial Council

of WomenVice President

Anne Saeni Malaita Provincial Council of Women

Coordinator

Cathy Pearson Malaita Provincial Council of Women

Volunteer

Anna Maka Anglican Mothers Union CoordinatorElizabeth Ramosaea Bahai Women’s Group CoordinatorPatricia Wale Catholic Women PresidentJessielyn Sogote’e SDA Dorcas Women RepresentativeMonika Gwaite’e Women in Business Fountain Cafe OwnerDiana Waimora Women in Business JD Mini Mart EnterpriseFlorence Fiumae Women in Business Rarasu KaibarSharon Kilimani Women in Business Market VendorDavid Wate RSIPF Provincial Police CommanderWillie Fafoi RSIPF Community Policing OfficerAngella Walenenea RSIPF Domestic Violence CoordinatorMELBOURNE/NEW ZEALANDAnnelize Struwig IOD PARC Safe Families M&E Coordinator

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