Case study: Addressing gender-based violence against women and girls in Solomon Islands

Rates of violence against women in Solomon Islands are amongst the highest in the world, with an estimated two-thirds of women aged 15–49 having experienced physical or sexual violence.

Through the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development program, the Australian aid program is supporting the Family Support Organisation (FSO) in Gizo, Western Province in Solomon Islands. FSO is a newly established non-governmental organisation set up to raise awareness of the issue of gender-based violence, and to provide support to women and girls survivors of violence in Gizo. FSO is made up of representatives from women's groups, churches, youth networks and local government agencies.

With support from UN Women in Honiara, FSO is running information sessions to increase knowledge and awareness of gender-based and domestic violence and its effects on family and the community. FSO's sessions also cover human rights, rights afforded under the Solomon Islands legal and judicial systems, services for survivors, and sexual and reproductive health.

More information

• DFAT Supports 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 25 November – 10 December 2015
• Australia's aid program to Solomon Islands