Plan International and SINYC launch climate change project to equip Adolescent Girls

Plan International in partnership with the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress (SINYC) will be working with youths, women and adolescent girls from Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Western province to advocate for climate change in the Solomon Islands.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today, and in the Solomon Islands, the negative effects of climate change on welfare, livelihoods, and economic prospect are felt by provinces. The most vulnerable populations that suffer the greatest impacts are young people, women, and girls.

As such, Plan International is working in partnership with the Solomon Islands National Youth Congress (SINYC) as a national legitimate youth body in the Solomon Islands by initiating the Girls Tekem Akson Lo Climate Change project.

The project will be implemented in Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Western province, and it seeks to engage young people, women, and adolescent girls to advocate more on resilience to climate change and ensure young people are politically empowered, and see a gender transformative approach to climate change policy and practice, at all levels.

Solomon Islands National Youth Congress as the forefront implementing partner is thrilled to be a partner choice. Education, empowerment, and leadership of girls and young women are the key to climate resilience.

“This is a huge opportunity for us to support young people, women, and girls in the Solomon Islands to execute leadership and youth on climate change at the community, provincial and national levels and further explore advanced opportunities in the regional and global arena,” NYC’s chairperson, Mr. Aaron Olofia said.

“Our communities have been experiencing extreme and unpredictable weather, growing food insecurity, increasing water insecurity, and unstable living conditions, and it is important young people are participating in this project to fight for climate change issues,” he said.

Plan International Solomon Islands’ Programme Manager, Hika Joseph said young women and adolescent girls play an important role in mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change. However, their views, interests, and experiences are not equally represented, leading to policies and programs.

He adds with the implementation of the Girls Tekem Akson Lo Climate Change project, will promote and enable young people in leadership, political empowerment, and education that will ensure greater climate justice and gender equality.

President for Guadalcanal Youth Counsel, Danny Raisale said Guadalcanal youths are proud to be part of this project as it will give them a voice to raise issues of their concern related to the impact of climate change.

“There’s no inclusion in the past projects. This one is a breakthrough for Guadalcanal youths to be part of to take the lead in the fight for climate change justice, decision-making, and empowerment for future leaders in our province,” Danny said.

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

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