To achieve meaningful gender equality Live & Learn recognises the essential participation of men and boys. This group plays a meaningful role supporting women and girls, looking past harmful gender norms and empowering them to achieve their goals.

In June 2024, Live & Learn Solomon Islands conducted a 6-day intensive that focused on engaging men and boys in topics of gender and transformative change. With the support of CARE Australia, the intensive training addressed issues around:

• equitable decision making in the household
• sharing domestic duties between men and women
• supporting women and girls engaging in activities outside the home.

One hundred participants attended this intensive, which was the first training of its kind for the communities involved. It was made possible as part of the Helpim Sista project, a Women’s Economic Justice project that aims to support women’s groups at the community level.

This project runs activities that help to establish saving incentives and support women with income generating activities. Helpim Sista also addresses barriers to women’s participation, decision-making and leadership in economic activities by promoting the support of their partners, families, and communities and shifting restrictive social norms.

Anonymous feedback from participants who attended the intensive was mostly positive, the following remarks reflecting men’s commitment to supporting the women in their lives:

‘This learning broadens my knowledge and helps me understand the core roots of social norms which are shaped by culture and society.’

‘I would like to urge the community to work on our norms and shared responsibilities. Changes to be seen by others.’

‘Live & Learn Solomon Islands opens a new chapter in our life to drive women’s engagement in economy.’

All men and boys have a role to play creating a gender equitable community and for many, knowledge and awareness is a crucial first step.

The Helpim Sista project is a joint initiative between CARE Australia and Live & Learn Solomon Islands and is made possible with support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).