A professional women's network has been launched in Solomon Islands this week to become the first of its kind.
The Duchess of Cambridge poses with women from NGOs in Solomon Islands. Photo: AFP
The network is part of a new initiative by IFC and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and is funded by the Australian government.
The IFC, which is a member of the World Bank Group, plans to set up a network to promote the business case for investing in gender equality and to develop practical tools to improve recruitment, retention, and promotion of women employees.
The launch was attended by more than 50 professional women, including Australia's foreign minister Julie Bishop.
Solomon Islands is one of the most gender-unequal countries in the world, with women's participation in the formal labour force at about half of that of men.