WELSI leadership program empowers Solomon Islands women executives with skills, networks and confidence to lead
Wednesday 29 July, Honiara – The eighth delivery of the Solomon Islands Senior Executive Women in Leadership Program is currently underway with the last two days scheduled for Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th in Honiara.
The program was initially devised in partnership with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA), and the Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) with support from the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI).
Since 2025, the program continues to be delivered by the Women in Executive Leadership Solomon Islands (WELSI) after its registration as a professional network that supports and connects women in senior leadership and executive roles across the Solomon Islands.
The objective is to advance gender development and social inclusion in terms of providing relevant professional development of women in senior executive roles, providing support and networks to advance professional women into CEO and board positions.
As Lead Facilitator of the program, Ms. Lilly Lomulo is passionate about empowering women executives with knowledge, confidence and cultivating opportunity for them to be transformative leaders, be better versions of themselves and be positive changemakers as professionals.
““It has been inspiring to witness our executives recognize their potential and embrace the value they bring to their workplaces and communities,” she said.
This four-day program is designed for women who are already making an impact in their organizations and communities, and who are ready to strengthen their leadership journey even further.”
Eighteen (18) participants are currently attending the current delivery representing different organisations mostly from the private sector, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and the public sector.
Over the four-day program, participants will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of governance, sharpen their financial and risk management skills, and strengthen their professional brand.
They will hear from leaders who have walked the leadership path who will share insights that will inspire participants and guide them on their own professional and leadership journey.
WELSI hopes that after the four-day training, these aspiring women leaders will not only leave with new knowledge, but also with stronger networks, greater confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“WELSI’s aim is for every participant to leave this program with practical tools they can apply immediately in their professional and personal leadership journeys, as well as greater confidence in their ability to lead and influence,” WELSI Vice President, Mrs. Dinna Irofufuli, said.
“Leadership is not about waiting until you feel completely ready, because the truth is, many of us never do. It is about continuously building the knowledge, skills, and confidence to step forward when opportunities arise,” she added.
Mrs. Irofufuli stressed that through this program, WELSI is investing in the capacity of women leaders and helping to create a stronger, more inclusive leadership landscape for the Solomon Islands.
With this recent cohort of the program, WELSI and the partner organisations look forward to continuing with this program and aim to build a pool of business and professional women with relevant knowledge and skills required to enable them to effectively participate in the decision-making process at higher organizational levels.
The Solomon Islands Senior Executive Women in Leadership Program is a program for women in executive and senior management roles who want to deepen their knowledge of business operations, develop strong networks with their senior women, build confidence in areas including governance, and refresh their professional brand.
-WELSI Media Release
