LocationsUK and UNDP Support Solomon Islands EITI to Amplify Women’s Voices for Stronger Mining Communities
August 19, 2026
Group photo with the UN Resident Coordinator, Dirk Wagener and UNDP Resident Representative, Munkhtuya Altangerel in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Honiara, Solomon Islands – Women leaders, community representatives, youth and students, government institutions, mining companies and civil society came together in Honiara to strengthen women’s participation and influence in the governance of Solomon Islands’ extractive sector.
The workshop, “Women’s Voices for Stronger Mining Communities in Solomon Islands,” provided a platform for participants to share experiences, better understand responsible mining and transparency, and identify practical ways for women and communities to contribute to decisions around the country’s natural resources.
It was organised under the Support to the Government of Solomon Islands to Implement the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the Government of the United Kingdom.
Participants included representatives of women’s organisations, youth and student groups, the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE), the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, the Solomon Islands EITI Multi-Stakeholder Group, civil society and mining companies.
The workshop highlighted the important role women play in mining-affected communities. They also contribute to community wellbeing, dialogue, local development and social cohesion, while also bringing valuable perspectives on the social and environmental impacts of mining and the long-term needs of their communities. Yet women remain underrepresented in many decision-making processes related to natural resource governance.
Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Margaret Moveni.
“Women’s participation is not simply about giving women a seat at the table; it is about bringing knowledge to the table that may otherwise be missing. Their experience and understanding of community realities are essential to making better decisions about our natural resources and ensuring that mining contributes to lasting development.”
Her remarks reflected the broader responsibility of government to ensure that natural resource revenues are managed transparently and responsibly, while communities have access to information and meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their lives.
British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Paul Turner, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s support for greater transparency, accountability and inclusive participation in the extractive sector.
British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Paul Turner.
“The women are the eyes and ears for ensuring good governance in mining areas.”
UNDP Pacific Resident Representative Tuya Altangerel engaged with participants during the discussions and drew on her experience working on extractive-sector governance.
“Women are not only important voices in discussions about mining - but they are also essential partners in building transparent, accountable and sustainable resource governance. When women are empowered to participate, share their experiences and shape decisions, communities are better placed to ensure that natural resources deliver lasting benefits for everyone.”
UN Resident Coordinator Dirk Wagener also attended the event, demonstrating the importance of a coordinated UN commitment to supporting inclusive and accountable governance in Solomon Islands.
A key contribution to the workshop came from MMERE, which presented its work on the Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Strategy currently being developed by the Ministry. The presentation provided an important opportunity to discuss how women’s voices, perspectives and meaningful participation can be better reflected in the mining sector and in processes that shape decisions affecting mining communities.
Participants explored a range of issues relevant to communities, including environmental impacts, customary land ownership and rights, community consultation, revenue sharing, local development and the social impacts of mining on women, youth and other vulnerable groups. These issues are particularly relevant in Solomon Islands, where customary land ownership and strong community structures play a central role in decisions concerning natural resources.
UNDP Pacific Resident Representative Tuya Altangerel.
The discussions reinforced that effective mining governance is not only about policies, systems and revenues. It is about ensuring that people and communities affected by resource development have the knowledge, information and opportunities to meaningfully participate in decisions that shape their lives and their future.
Participants identified practical ways to improve community engagement and information-sharing and strengthen women’s participation in the implementation of EITI in Solomon Islands.
EITI brings together women leaders, community representatives, young people, government, industry, civil society and the SI EITI Multi-Stakeholder Group, the workshop strengthened partnerships and created space for practical dialogue on how different stakeholders can contribute to more transparent, inclusive and responsible mining governance.
The workshop forms part of broader efforts to support Solomon Islands’ re-engagement with the EITI framework and strengthen transparency, accountability and good governance in the extractive sector.
Through the UK-funded project, UNDP is providing technical assistance to strengthen institutional capacity, legal and regulatory frameworks, transparency mechanisms and stakeholder engagement. Support includes capacity development, legal and policy analysis, EITI scoping and financing strategies, public awareness and communications, and multi-stakeholder dialogue.
EITI brings government, companies and civil society together to promote greater openness and accountability in the management of oil, gas and mineral resources. Strengthening women’s participation in these processes is an important part of ensuring that the experiences and priorities of mining-affected communities are reflected in natural resource governance.
The workshop underscored a simple but important message: stronger mining communities are built when women and communities are not only heard but are given meaningful opportunities to help shape the decisions that determine how Solomon Islands’ natural resources are governed and how their benefits are shared.
For more information, please contact:
Florica Dragomir, EITI Project Manager | UNDP Pacific Sub Office in Solomon Islands | (E) florica.dragomir@undp.org
Rickson Bau, Press & Public Affairs Officer | British High Commission, Honiara | (E) rickson.bau@fcdo.gov.uk or bhc.honiara@fcdo.gov.uk
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