SI CUSTOMS WOMEN JOIN GLOBAL COMMUNITY TO MARK INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2026

Women officers serving at the Solomon Islands Customs and Excise Division (SICED) within the Ministry of Finance & Treasury (MoFT) joined the global community to mark the International Women’s Day 2026 on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, held in Honiara.

The said officers commemorate International Women’s Day 2026 to self-reflect, recognize their significant roles in contributing to the country’s Border Security, Trade Facilitation, and Law Enforcement, and to be women and core figures in their respective families and communities, and as members of the working class in the Government of Solomon Islands.

Marking the International Women’s Day celebration in Honiara, Supervising Minister for Women and Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Hon. Choylin Yim Douglas, urged government, stakeholders, businesses, and partners to invest in women, empower women, support women, and give women opportunities in business and employment to gain economic growth and benefit for the entire nation.

“If we give women space in leadership, we gain better decision-making and more inclusive governance. As we give women respect, safety, and dignity, we gain a more peaceful and united nation.

“Our country needs more women in decision-making, in communities, in businesses, in churches, in provincial governments, and at the National leadership level.

Supervising Minister for Women and Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Hon. Choylin Yim Douglas, delivered her official keynote Address to mark International Women’s Day 2026 in Honiara.

“Across Solomon Islands, we are witnessing more women stepping forward as leaders heading community organisations, businesses, serving in public service, advocating for social change, and shaping the future of our nation,” Hon. Choylin highlighted these sentiments in her official Keynote Address.

The Minister reiterated that the government remains committed to advancing policies and programs that protect women and promote gender equality. Still, the government alone cannot play this role, and it needs to work closely with key stakeholders and partners to address these challenges and gaps.

SICED Comptroller John Peter Lagi also expressed his sincere acknowledgement of these female officers for their remarkable and dedicated service as Customs officers and congratulated them on marking International Women’s Day 2026 during a program hosted by the Customs and Excise Division in Honiara.

“I want to take this opportunity to wish and thank all the female Customs officers who work in Customs for their dedication and service, and also to join the event and be part of this National gathering.

“It is through Mothers that God blesses humanity.

“Sometimes in our culture, we treat women as a second priority, but it is the mother who takes all the responsibility,” Comptroller Lagi highlighted.

Solomon Islands Customs & Excise Comptroller John Lagi delivering his official remarks during the Customs International Women’s Day celebration 2026.

Acting Customs Deputy Comptroller for Corporate Ms. Hellen Ha’apisi, in her official statement, also acknowledges all the women of the Customs & Excise Division for their dedication, resilience, and the valuable contributions they continue to make in serving Customs and the people of Solomon Islands.

“I call on all women in customs that we must work together side-by-side to progress and achieve Customs Reform goals as part of our female contributions in serving the country’s economic growth.

This year, 2026, the Customs and Excise Division is marking the event as a reminder of the importance of promoting equality, fairness, and meaningful opportunities for all women in Customs operation sectors and administration.

Currently, SICED has achieved significant progress in promoting gender equality in the Division’s employment structure, with 75 women and 79 men working in Customs, and women holding key leadership positions across various operational sectors and Units, including 9 women and 3 men at the Executive level.

International Women’s Day 2026 serves as a platform to advance gender equality, boost the visibility of women in leadership roles, and promote a more inclusive, diverse working environment.  It also paves the way for fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can reach their full potential. It is used to push for increased female representation in senior management, where they are currently underrepresented.

The World Customs Organization (WCO) uses this day to honor female officers in Customs Operations and Administration, recognizing their resilience and dedication to protecting communities and facilitating trade in demanding environments, including airports, seaports, and land borders.

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With Photos:

Customs women participated in the official parade in Honiara.

SI Customs Executive Female officers with Customs Comptroller John Peter Lagi cutting the official cake to mark the Customs International Women’s Day 2026.

Customs Team Leader – Technical, Mrs. Annette Ibe, showcasing the slogan allegiance in support of the International Women’s Day 2026 slogans.

Two Royal Australian Army female officers posed with these Customs female Officers as part of their Interaction during the International Women’s Day 2026.

Customs officers posed with her International Women’s Day 2026 slogan to highlight gender Inclusion as part of the IWD campaign.

Women’s groups and Non-Government-Organizations (NGOs) across Honiara took part in the event. Part of the International Women’s Day 2026 official parade.