Australian High Commission
Honiara
Solomon Islands

Women of Influence attend the Australia­-Solomon Islands Business Forum

21 July 2016

                                                                   Women of Influence attend the Australia­-Solomon Islands Business Forum

Building networks and attracting new investors to Solomon Islands are priorities for three senior businesswomen who today left for the Australia-Solomon Islands Business Forum in Brisbane.

For Lilly Lomulo the business forum is an opportunity to network and share her knowledge with potential investors.

“Solomon Islands is a great country and we have the potential to become one of the best in the region, if we have the will to make it so,” Lilly said.

Lilly is a board member of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the human resources manager at the Solomon Islands Tobacco Company Limited, SITCO. For Lilly, being a senior executive woman is challenging but equally a rewarding experience.

“Gaining support from your male colleagues is important. I have a great network of support from men in my family and at my work,” Lilly said.

Regina Pokana, Sustainability Manager at GPPOL, believes that self-belief and learning are keys to success in business.

“Every individual has the potential to do their job well. I’m privileged to be a part of a great team that prioritises building the skills and capacity of local staff,” Regina said.

Also attending the forum is Lyn Fa'arodo, the Head of Retail Banking at ANZ.

“This is my first time to attend the Australia – Solomon Islands Business Forum. I see the opportunity to learn from other women that have walked the path,” Lyn said.

“It is also the opportune time to network and share my knowledge of my country.

“Solomon Islands is a country with vast resources and opportunities for potential investors to venture in. I believe Solomon Islands is one of the upcoming in the region, therefore the future of this country depends entirely on Solomon Islanders to make it happen.”

The Australian High Commission is proud to support the three senior business executives to attend the annual Business Forum as a part of its commitment to improving women’s leadership in business.

“I know that women in Solomon Islands are already making their mark in the private sector and making substantial contributions to the economy and their communities,” High Commissioner Andrew Byrne said.

“I am pleased that we could support three impressive women to attend the forum and hope to see many more businesswomen in positions of leadership in years to come.”