Health Women professionals undergo Public Speaking and Media Training

Honiara, 24 March 2026 – Twenty-one women from across all provinces, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) head office, and the National Referral Hospital have gathered in Honiara for a two-day Public Speaking and Media Engagement workshop under the Permanent Secretary Women’s Leadership Initiative (PSWLI).

The training aimed to strengthen women’s ability to clearly communicate the purpose and key messages of the Women’s Leadership Initiative, adapt their communication to different audiences, and build confidence using practical public speaking and persuasion techniques. It also encouraged reflection on leadership and personal communication styles.

In her opening remarks, Dr Carole Poloso, Director of the Regional Eye Care Centre at the National Referral Hospital and a member of the Permanent Secretary Women’s Leadership Initiative Committee urged participants to approach the training with “purpose and intent” and drew comparisons with the Book of Esther as a story of how one woman used her voice for her people.

“In the same way, our presence here today is not accidental. Each one of us has been entrusted with this opportunity at this point in time, to serve, to lead, and to contribute meaningfully within our respective departments and provincial hospitals.

“This calls us to approach this initiative with intention and responsibility. Let us not take this opportunity lightly, but make the most of it, to grow in our capacity, to lead with courage and integrity, and to use our voices to influence positive change within our health system”, said Dr. Poloso.

During the training, Dr Sarah Habu, Director of RMNCAH at MHMS, reinforced that leadership is not just defined by position. “From the cleaners of the hospital to the senior leaders, we all have a part to play to speak up for improvements in the health system”, she said.

The workshop marked the culmination of a five-week blended learning program delivered through WhatsApp, YouTube and Microsoft Teams, enabling participants to engage flexibly despite connectivity challenges.

Ms. Anica Haviemei, a Senior Technologist from Isabel Province, highlighted the value of the approach. “It was a privilege to participate from Isabel. Having materials available on YouTube meant we didn’t miss out when internet connectivity was poor,” she said. “We are already discussing how to expand the Women’s Leadership Initiative in our province,” she added.

The training was supported by the Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership.  Ms. Nidia Raya Martinez, Strategic Communications Specialist for the partnership and the facilitator of the training, said the program had a strong impact. “It has been inspiring to see the transformation of the women over the last five weeks, particularly how participants now view their leadership and how motivated and empowered they are to speak up and support other women,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Health Secretary, Ms. Pauline McNeil highlights that “this training is purposely to support women professionals in the health sector to have the skillset that would help built professional and personal confidence, and further help them grow in their professions.  Public speaking and fronting the media are usually not somethings that we acquire during the course of our professional trainings at medical, nursing or public health schools but one that we pick up along the way during our professional journeys/careers. It is for that reason that we find the opportunities and platforms available for the workforce in the health sector to provide that. I am hoping that this training opportunity will be rolled out at both national and provincial levels, for women and men in the health workforce in the coming months”

The Permanent Secretary Women’s Leadership Initiative is an initiative of the Permanent Secretary of Health, Ms Pauline McNeil and is designed to build pathways, create opportunities, and increase recognition to advance women’s leadership and equity across the health system and is supported by the Solomon Islands Australian Health Partnership Programme.

Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership. Ms Nidia Raya Martinez, Strategic Communications Specialist speaking to the participants at the training.

Director of the Regional Eye Care Centre Dr Carole Poloso receiving her certificate from Ms Nidia Raya Martinez, Strategic Communications Specialist.

Chief Statistician Ms. Rebecca Manelase receiving her certificate from Ms Nidia Raya Martinez, Strategic Communications Specialist.

Mrs. Merilyn Roy Vana receiving her certificate from Ms. Nidia Raya Martinez.

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