Being the First

Being the First: Storis Blong Oloketa Mere Lo Solomon Aelan
Honiara and Auckland: RAMSI; Institute of Public Policy and Pacific Media Centre (AUT)
Editors: Alice Aruhe’eta Pollard and Marilyn J. Waring

This is the first book published about Solomon Islands women by Solomon Islands women. It collects the life stories of 16 women who broke through the barriers - as Permanent Secretaries, Officers of Parliament, the only woman ever elected to Parliament, and a former Public Service Commissioner. The stories speak of their childhoods, their education - often separated for years from their families - their first paid employment. They wrestle with the challenges they faced to be promoted, who supported them on their break through journeys, and where they met the most resistance. Finally they offer some advice to the younger generations of women who will follow them. This book fills a gap in information about the Solomon Islands and the experience of Pacific women, stories which have not been available before.