Our Origins

Turning the Impossible to Possible

The Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA) was formed 4th December 2004.

Invitations were sent out to a lot of women involved in some sort of small or medium income generating set up, and those thinking of setting something similar. A meeting was arranged for 2nd week of July 2004.

The first executive of SIWIBA was formed and was put to task immediately to work on the association’s constitution. It was quite a challenge and took some time to come up with the first draft of the constitution because we knew what we want, but translating our ideas into a legal form is another. The Board put together the first draft and we went in search of any lawyer who was willing to help us check the legality of the draft constitution. We had the ok and the SIWIBA constitution was registered on the 31st of December 2004 under the Charitable Act.

The Group of Women who initially formed SIWIBA

  1. Pamela Zoleveke
  2. Agnes Mosese Podarua
  3. Ruby Lee
  4. Grace Kori Piniau
  5. Katie Ahukela
  6. Late Christina Leve
  7. Late Freda Kasoa

Moving Forward

First funding for SIWIBA was from PLP towards the end of 2011. The funding was for SIWIBA’s first proper office set-up at Tongs building whilst searching for a cheaper office, later relocating at the NPF Plaza, Room 48 in 2013.

DFAT took over funding from PLP from December 2013 to June 2014, and later extended for the next three years.

Today SIWIBA stands tall with a well-equipped Secretariat, four staff and in the process of recruiting a Training Officer. Number of members now is near 300 and growing.

SIWIBA Board since 2012 to present

President: Dalcy Tekulu

Vice President: Julie Haro

Secretary: Pamela Zoleveke

Treasurer: Ning Gabrino (sick and away abroad for medical treatment. Sol Bilaro - a qualified accountant is Treasurer Ag)

Members

  • Tele Bartlett and Ethel Saelea
  • Representing informal sector: Kate Ahukela and Joyline Liolea Ta'aru

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Contact Us

Solomon Islands Women in Business Association
Room 48, NPF Plaza,
Prince Philip Highway,
Honiara, Solomon Islands

 +677  28386 (BDC)

 +677 28387 (Secretariat)