By Eliza Kukutu
WELSI
By Andrianah Kole
Participants in the Solomon Islands Senior Executive Women in Leadership Programme (Cohort 8) have been recognised after completing a leadership development course designed to prepare women for executive and board leadership positions.
The participants received their certificates during a celebration breakfast today (Friday), attended by programme alumni, partners and supporters. The event recognised the participants’ achievements and provided an opportunity for networking.
Guest speaker David Quan congratulated the graduates, saying continuous professional development is essential in preparing future leaders.
“Whether at home, with your family or at work, you’re already leaders in your own right,” he said.
Quan said while education and professional training are important, effective leadership is ultimately shaped by attitude, integrity and a commitment to serving others.
He encouraged participants to remain professional in the workplace by focusing on resolving issues rather than allowing disagreements to become personal.
“Focus on the issue. Don’t personalise it. Once discussions become personal, we won’t achieve anything,” he said.
Quan said leadership often involves making difficult decisions and urged participants to ensure those decisions are guided by the law, organisational policies and ethical standards.
He also encouraged them to continue building professional networks, seek guidance from experienced colleagues and support one another throughout their leadership journeys.
The programme was organized by the Women in Executive Leadership Coalition (WELSI), which aims to increase the number of women serving in executive and board leadership positions across Solomon Islands.
WELSI President Pamela Naesol Alamu said the organisation was established to empower women by building confidence, strengthening leadership skills and creating opportunities for professional growth.
Registered in 2024, the coalition has delivered leadership training since 2023 through partnerships with professional organisations. More than 130 women completed the previous seven cohorts, with a further 18 participants graduating from the latest programme.
Mrs. Naesol Alamu said the initiative was about more than increasing the number of women in leadership positions.
“It’s not only about increasing the numbers. It’s about the quality of the women too. We want women to be competent, confident and prepared for leadership,” she said.
She said the programme helps women make informed career decisions, recognise their leadership potential and develop the confidence to pursue executive and board appointments.
The coalition has grown to more than 100 members and continues to operate through volunteers supporting women across the country.
Mrs. Naesol Alamu said hearing participants describe how the programme had strengthened their confidence continued to motivate the organisation’s work.
She also referred to research showing women remain underrepresented in senior leadership roles in Solomon Islands, although recent studies indicate progress, with more women serving as chief executives and board members.
Encouraging women to pursue leadership opportunities, she said leadership was defined by influence rather than position.
“Leadership is not about position or power. Leadership is about how you influence others through the way you live and conduct yourself every day,” she said.
Participant Barbara Kuere, a Port Engineer with Solomon Islands Ports Authority, said the four-day programme provided practical knowledge on corporate governance, board procedures, risk management, financial literacy and building a professional brand.
“The two lessons I take away from the training are confidence and clarity. Being a leader does not mean I know everything. It is about being willing to learn and having the courage to solve problems in the environment where we work,” she said.
Ms. Kuere also highlighted the importance of professional networks, saying the programme connected participants with women who could continue supporting one another beyond the training.
“By supporting one another and building meaningful connections, we create lasting relationships that extend beyond a single meeting,” she said.
“Together, we can share knowledge, encourage growth and empower each other to succeed. When we work collaboratively, we can make a meaningful difference in our workplaces, our communities, our homes and across our nation.”
The Women in Executive Leadership Coalition says the programme is the first in a broader series of initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s leadership, expanding professional networks and increasing women’s participation in decision-making across Solomon Islands.
ENDS//
