From June 17 to 19, 2025, the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP) successfully held its Women’s Quarterly Consultation at Garivera Park in Guadalcanal Province under the theme “Empowering Women’s Voices for Sustainable Development around the Tina River Hydro Project.” Organized by the TRHDP Gender Team, the three-day forum brought together 45 women leaders from community women’s associations in Belaha, Malatoha, and Bahomea. They were joined by youth representatives and male leaders for a series of empowering presentations, interactive sessions, and participatory planning discussions.
The consultation served as a critical platform for rural women to directly engage with project stakeholders, build strategic partnerships, and strengthen their leadership and participation in development processes related to the Tina River Hydropower Project.
A standout moment was the keynote address delivered by the CEO of Solomon Power on the final day. Her inspirational message — which resonated across women, men, and youth participants — emphasised the importance of unity, resilience, and inclusive leadership as drivers of progress and sustainable development.
Strengthening Grassroots Networks and Leadership
Day One featured sessions led by Ms. Afu Billy, President of the Solomon Islands National Council of Women (SINCW). She outlined the Council’s national mandate and guided local associations on how to connect effectively from the community level to ward, provincial, and national structures. Ms. Billy stressed the importance of institutional strengthening, good governance, and collective advocacy to enhance the sustainability and visibility of women’s groups.
Day Two focused on human rights, leadership, and safeguarding. Julianne Wickham, a respected expert in gender, human rights, and disability inclusion, led a powerful session on women’s rights in the context of development. She encouraged participants to see leadership not just as a formal position, but as a daily practice rooted in voice, responsibility, and agency. Group discussions enabled participants to reflect on cultural and economic barriers and explore practical ways to overcome them.
Additionally, the Seif Ples Team conducted an important awareness session on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the SafeNet referral pathway. Participants learned about the legal, medical, psychosocial, and shelter services available to survivors, reinforcing the importance of seeking support in safe and confidential spaces.
Promoting Transparency and Community Inclusion
Day Three aimed to deepen understanding of the Tina River Hydropower Project’s scope and its gender-related dimensions. Representatives from TRHDP, Tina Hydropower Ltd (THL), and Hyundai Engineering provided updates on construction progress, environmental safeguards, and key infrastructure including the dam, powerhouse, and roadworks. These sessions reinforced the project's commitment to transparency and gender-inclusive development. The day concluded with heartfelt personal testimonies from women leaders, who shared their experiences and the evolving role of their associations in project-related development activities.
Advancing Inclusive Development
The consultation reaffirmed the Project’s strong commitment to gender inclusion, social safeguards, and community empowerment. The TRHDP Women’s Quarterly Consultation forms a key component of the Project’s Gender Action Plan, which ensures that women are not only consulted but are actively engaged in development decisions and equitably benefit from the Project. This latest consultation marks another meaningful step toward inclusive, community-led development in the Solomon Islands.
Caption: Tina River Hydropower Limited’s Mechanical engineer, Karen Murray Waibala presenting updates on the Project’s construction.
Caption: Project Stakeholders, participants from Belaha, Malatoha and Bahomea with Mrs. Delilah Homelo, Solomon Power CEO.
Caption: Ms. Afulia Billy, President of the Solomon Islands National Council of Women presenting during the Women’s Quarterly Consultation.
Caption: Participants listening to the Seif Ples Team’s presentation on Gender Based Violence and SafeNet referral Network
Caption: Tina River Hydropower Limited’s Governance Lead, Ms. Adi Biliki presenting on Women’s role in the Tina hydro Project
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