Signing of MOU Between AusAID and SIWIBA
The first half of SIWIBA’s financial year was a busy and productive one.
But the most important financial event in that period was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between AusAID’s Honiara Office, operating under the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and SIWIBA.
SIWIBA’s future in terms of its ability to fund its secretariat as well as its core programs and initiatives up to June 2014 was essentially secured under the terms of the MOU.
The grant will also support SIWIBA run trainings and provide retailing opportunities for its members, specifically to improve economic opportunities for Solomon Islands business women.
This is the second time for the organisation to be funded by Australia. The first was in 2011. The initial assistance was to increase women’s leadership and economic empowerment in Solomon Islands.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Australian aid program’s Legal and Gender Specialist, Ms. Louisa Gibbs said “The Australian government is happy to support SIWIBA in its work to economically empower the women of Solomon Islands through its programs and activities.”
“SIWIBA and the Australian Government know that skill building and providing market opportunities for women have broad economic and social benefits for families and communities.”
“This partnership complements the support that is provided to SIWIBA by Australia’s Pacific Leadership Program, which recognises and supports the work of the organisation as leaders in improving the business environment for women in Solomon Islands.”
As an advocate for women, SIWIBA described the Australian Government’s assistance as an honour and a recognition of the important role the women’s association plays in implementing successful activities and programs that support, train and empower women to be involved in economic activities.
The groups also expressed their gratitude to the Suva-based AusAID PLP Office and the Australian Government for its funding assistance to SIWIBA since 2011.
The funding will assist SIWIBA in running its activities from the 9th December 2013 to 30th June 2014.
