March 6, 2025—Honiara, Solomon Islands In a landmark collaboration, Gender Team of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project and the Solomon Islands Women Lawyers Association (SIWLA) conducted legal awareness in the communities of Belaha, Bahomea, and Malatoha. These communities impacted directly by the Tina River Hydropower Project are being empowered with crucial education programs to raise awareness of key legal protections, including the Family Protection Act, the Penal Code, and Human Trafficking laws.
The legal awareness sessions held on 18th, 20th, and 27th February 2025 have been helpful in empowering local community members, particularly vulnerable populations, through sensitization on their rights and access to channels for accessing justice. Central to the sessions were discussions on the Family Protection Act, which safeguards individuals facing domestic violence, provisions in the Penal Code on abuse, and the critical legal frameworks surrounding human trafficking.
“We are committed to ensuring that the communities directly affected by the Tina River Hydropower Project are equipped with the necessary knowledge to protect themselves and their families,” said Ella Wairiu, Tina River Hydropower Project Office’s Gender Focal Point. “Through our collaboration with the Solomon Islands Women Lawyers Association, we are not only raising awareness about essential legal protections but also reinforcing the need for communities to be informed about their rights. This is a crucial part of our Gender work and reflects our commitment to safeguarding vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, in the face of rapid development.”
As a major infrastructure project, the Tina River Hydropower Project brings both opportunities and challenges to the surrounding communities. Acknowledging the risks associated with large-scale development, including potential exploitation and abuse, the project office team has made it a priority to ensure that local communities are well-informed about the legal protections available to them.
The Solomon Islands Women Lawyers Association, dedicated to advocating for women's rights and gender equality, has played a key role in delivering these legal sessions. Their involvement highlights the collective responsibility to protect the well-being of all community members, especially those at heightened risk of exploitation.
"The Solomon Islands Women Lawyers Association realizes the need to advocate for social justice for women, children, and vulnerable groups of society; therefore, taking part in community awareness programs like this aligns perfectly with the goals and objectives of the association. We will continue to provide support in whichever way we can to ensure that all women, children, and vulnerable groups, particularly those in rural and isolated communities, are aware of their legal rights and the avenues available to them to access justice.". Said a representative from the SIWLA.
Caption: Women from Bahomea during the Community Legal Consultations.
Caption: Men joining in on the legal consultation discussion from Namoraoni Village, Malatoha Area.
Caption: Youths participating in answering questions during the consultations in Belaha Region.
Caption: Mrs. Sharon Para and Legal Consultant during one of the consultation meetings.
The Tina River Hydropower Development Project is led by the Solomon Islands Government, with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Australia, the Green Climate Fund, Korea EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund, and the World Bank.
Media Inquiries:
Jeanine Gadepeta
Communications Officer, Tina Hydropower Development Project
📞 +677 25133
📧 jeanine.gadepeta@tina-hydro.com | Find out more on www.tina-hydro.com, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube
A National Project of Solomon Islands | Tina River Hydropower Tina River Hydropower is a National Project of Solomon Islands and has as its objective to provide more affordable and reliable energy options to Honiara. |