The Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO), in collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC), has launched a pivotal four-day workshop in Honiara focused on the interpretation of gender and disability data.
The workshop brings together key stakeholders from government line ministries, civil society organizations, and development partners to delve into the findings from the Solomon Islands 2019 Population and Housing Census. The core objective is to transform raw data into actionable insights that can drive more inclusive national policies.
“We are moving beyond simply presenting numbers,” said Government Statistician, Mr. Samson Kanamoli. “This workshop is about interpretation and collaboration. We are urging participants to ask hard questions, to look for the stories the data is trying to tell us, and to challenge us, the statisticians, to make this information clearer and more accessible for everyone.”
The workshop aims to achieve several critical goals:
• Deepen Understanding: Explore how gender and disability intersect to influence social and economic outcomes for individuals and communities.
• Validate Findings: Critically review and validate the key findings from the forthcoming Gender and Disability Monographs to ensure their accuracy and contextual relevance for the Solomon Islands.
• Strengthen Capacity: Enhance the technical skills of SINSO staff in producing disability statistics using the internationally recognized Washington Group questions, a model promoted across the Pacific.
• Build Data Literacy: Equip stakeholders with the ability to effectively interpret and visualize gender and disability data from the 2019 census.
• Foster Dialogue: Promote cross-sectoral dialogue to ensure data is used effectively for inclusive planning and policy development.
• Confirm Next Steps: Agree on the finalization process and timeline for publishing the official Gender and Disability monographs.
By the conclusion of the workshop, participants are expected to have an increased understanding of the GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) landscape in the country and a greater capacity to use these vital indicators to inform evidence-based, inclusive national policies.
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