Plan International Solomon Islands

Plan International has been working in the Solomon Islands since 2017 to support children from their early development through to adolescence to lead happy and healthy lives with equal opportunities regardless of age or gender.

We work together with children, young people, supporters and partners to
strive for a just world where we are all equal. To do that we tackle the root causes of the challenges and inequalities that children and young girls face.

We work in the provinces of Guadalcanal, Isabel, Malaita and West Guadalcanal.

The Solomon Islands are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and natural hazards. As a result of rising sea levels, many people are being forced to leave their homes, moving from remote communities to cities to look for jobs.

Gender inequality is entrenched in society in the Solomon Islands – 73% of women believe a man is justified in beating his wife – and girls and women face significant threats to their personal safety as a result of physical and sexual abuse.

Our work in the Solomon Islands is funded by Australian Aid under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Our priorities include:

Working with children and communities to build their capacity to plan for and respond to the effects of climate change and natural hazards.
Engaging with leaders to address policies that reinforce existing inequalities – like forcing girls to drop out of school if they fall pregnant – and to listen to girls when it comes to their safety in cities.
Supporting communities to understand the impact of open defecation on their health and engaging with them to build their own toilets (ensuring women are included in the process).
Improving access to sanitation as well as behaviours around health and hygiene.
Equipping young people and their communities with the knowledge and skills to stay safe online and to promote children’s rights in the Pacific.