Solomon Islands business operators are being encouraged to see the benefits of encouraging an awareness of the impact of domestic violence in their workplaces.
Solomon Islanders mark White Ribbon Day in Honiara on Friday 25th November, 2016. This year was the first time local businesses joined the march in support of ending violence against women. Photo: Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Today is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and is marked as White Ribbon Day in Solomon Islands.
A march this morning through the capital Honiara was supported by a number of businesses and co-ordinated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry working with the World Bank's International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The IFC's Ruth Maetala said they got significant backing from Solomons' businesses.
Earlier this week the head of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, Quinton Devlin said family violence, mostly against women and girls, out-numbers and out-ranks all other crimes committed in the country. Photo: Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry
She said the IFC wants businesses to understand the impact of domestic violence.
"If businesses can recognise that domestic violence affect their employees, and therefore it affects their business, then it would benefit them to take a stand and commit to building safe and supportive workplaces, so that is what we are saying."
In a statement the Chamber said businesses need to realise there are multiple benefits for those operators who proactively and effectively address the effects of domestic violence on the workplace.
It said these include reduced costs and increased savings, fulfilling an employer's duty of care, better staff health and well-being, and it demonstrates corporate social responsibility.
The Royals Solomon Islands Police lead the White Ribbon Day Parade in Honiara. 26-11-2016 Photo: Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry