Everlyn Basi and some of the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs participants following a Zumba session at Tumon Beach, Guam.
By Michelle Curran
Strategic Communications, Pasifika TV
Navigating social constraints is part and parcel for women running a business in the Solomon Islands, but women throughout the island nation are increasingly overcoming barriers to become successful leaders and entrepreneurs.
Pushing those boundaries are aspiring businesswomen Everlyn Basi, 39, and Nambi Pituvaka, 30, who recently represented the Solomon Islands at the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Dreams Become Reality Conference, in Guåhan.
The pair joined 23 other Young Pacific Leaders (YPL), to take part in the week-long conference hosted by Guam Community College, where they heard from expert speakers, participated in workshops and networking sessions, and toured businesses in the United States territory.
It is just one component of the 12-month AWE initiative, which aims at providing women with the knowledge, networks, and access they need to launch or scale successful business.
For Everlyn, who is a Freelance Procurement Consultant and owner of Eve’s Zumba Fitness and Healthy Lifestyle in Western Malaita, taking part in AWE and the recent conference in Guam has been a huge learning curve.
While she has over 13 years of procurement experience, across various sectors and with donor-funded projects, this is her first time running a business.
“I am hoping to learn more about business sustainability and procurement…I have learnt so much already from some of the more established women in business,” Everlyn says.
In 2019, Everlyn decided to create her health and lifestyle business after seeing the positive impact movement had on the women in her community.
“Most of the women at home don’t exercise but love to dance, it’s fun and they can be themselves.
“I started taking classes as the women don’t have anywhere to practice…I have really seen them change over time.
“Dancing builds up their confidence and motivates them to look after themselves and not lost themselves looking after their families.”
Meanwhile, fellow Solomon Islands AWE participant Nambi has her sights set on improving information services in her home country’s capital, Honiara.
Nambi Pituvaka wants to set up a business in the Solomon Islands, promoting tourism and businesses in the Pacific nation.
“I’m originally from the Western Province, but I want to start my business in the capital,” Nambi explains.
“I’ve noticed many people there don’t have enough information about local businesses, like their locations and the services they offer – I see a real need for this, and I want to help fill that gap.”
Nambi joined Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands and the AWE to connect with local business owners, learn about their needs, and understand the challenges they face in the market, she says.
“All sorts of businesses are invisible to the marketplace…I want to help local businesses overcome the lack of information by creating a website connecting to a QR code and all sorts of info.”
There are many challenges to women in business in the Solomon Islands and it is important to build them up and get them out of their comfort zones, Nambi adds.
Both women say they are excited about continuing to learn throughout the year with the AWE initiative, and the conference in Guam has helped them build momentum on their entrepreneurial journey.
Visit the Young Pacific Leaders website for more details on the US Department of State initiative.
