Women of Bahomea Region: Sharing Challenges, Building Hopes Amidst Development.

On 25 September 2025, women from the Bahomea Region gathered at Ngongoti to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives on how the Tina River Hydropower Project is shaping their communities.

Led by the Environmental and Social team of the Tina River Hydropower Development Project through its Gender Action Plan (GAP), the consultation provided a safe and welcoming space for women leaders to speak openly about their hopes and challenges. Special thanks were extended to Vois Blo Mere Solomon Islands and the Guadalcanal Provincial Council of Women (GPCW) for leading and supporting the consultation, ensuring women’s voices were heard clearly and meaningfully.

Women’s Voices

The women shared their experiences with energy and honesty, highlighting both the challenges they face and the aspirations they hold for their communities amidst such a major development.

They emphasized that consultations like these are critical, as they allow project stakeholders to understand how the Tina River Hydropower Project is experienced through women’s lens. This perspective helps guide the project in better supporting communities and addressing needs effectively.

A common concern raised by the women was the need for stronger support to ensure that development does not overlook the everyday realities of families and communities. They noted issues around employment opportunities at the project and how benefits can be more inclusive for local people. Environmental concerns were also raised, particularly the changes in the river, which directly affect daily life and community wellbeing. The women stressed that while development brings opportunities, it must also safeguard the natural environment and ensure families feel its benefits in practical and meaningful ways.

As one participant noted:
“Our concerns should not end at consultations — they must lead to real solutions for our communities.”

A More Sustainable Approach

Through its Gender Action Plan, the project is taking a more sustainable approach to women’s participation. By engaging key women’s stakeholders such as Vois Blo Mere Solomon Islands and the Guadalcanal Provincial Council of Women, the project aims to strengthen women’s governance at the community level.

This ensures that issues raised during consultations do not stop at dialogue but are carried forward into decision-making, advocacy, and long-term solutions.

Looking Ahead

The women requested the activation and strengthening of community women’s groups, ensuring their voices remain strong, organized, and influential in decisions affecting their communities.

As the Tina River Hydropower Project progresses, there is growing recognition that women are not only beneficiaries but leaders and decision-makers in their own right. By working hand in hand with women’s organisations, the project is helping to strengthen women’s governance, amplify their voices, and enable ideas that shape lasting change.

Caption: Nilrick Lilivae (Vois blo Mere Solomons), Sharon Para (TRHDP), Stella Kokopu (Guadalcanal Provincial council of Women)

Caption: Nilrick Lilivae (Vois blo Mere Solomons), Sharon Para (TRHDP), Stella Kokopu (Guadalcanal Provincial council of Women)

For more information, contact:
Communications Officer: Jeanine Gadepeta email: jeanine.gadepeta@tina-hydro.com  
Tina Hydropower development project  
+677 25133 
About Tina River Hydro Development Project (TRHDP)

The first large scale renewable energy project for the Solomon Islands delivering benefits such as more affordable electricity and improved accessibility to cleaner, more reliable energy sources for communities now and in the future. It is being implemented by the Solomon Island 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.

Find out more on www.tina-hydro.com

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