The Women in Executive Leadership Solomon Islands (WELSI) remains committed with its vision to create a sustainable platform for advancing women in executive leadership roles through relevant training and supporting gaps that are a hindrance to the advancement of women in the executive leadership space.
Reaffirming this commitment, WELSI successfully hosted its second Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Honiara on Thursday 13 August 2026. This presented an opportunity for WELSI to present to members and stakeholders an overview of its performance, challenges, and achievements from July 2025 to June 2026.
For WELSI, the past year saw notable advancements in strengthening organizational capability and governance, positioning WELSI to advance its objectives effectively, sustainably, and ethically.
During the AGM, a new WELSI Board was elected by its members as the leading organization that creates a sustainable platform for advancing women in executive leadership roles.
Ms. Pamela Naesol was elected unopposed as the President (Chair) of WELSI to be supported by Ms. Dinna Irofufuli as Vice President (Vice Chair), Ms. Simaema Neilsen as Secretary and Ms. Nina Chen and Ms. Barbara Kyere the ordinary members.
In presenting WELSI’s Annual Report at the AGM, Ms. Naesol highlighted the key achievements which included the establishment of the inaugural Board of WELSI, a revised strategic plan for the next three years to align its activities with its strategic priorities, an annual workplan and a corresponding budget were developed to guide the operations of WELSI during the year and the launch of the WELSI website.
One of the main achievements is the delivery of the Solomon Islands Senior Women in Executive Leadership Training Program, WELSI’s flagship leadership program.
Eight cohorts of the program have been delivered from 2023-2026, reaching 159 women leaders and emerging leaders.
“Participants have come from the private and public sectors and civil society, strengthening their leadership capabilities, confidence, professional networks, governance knowledge, and career development,” WELSI President, Ms. Naesol, said.
“The growing alumni network reflects WELSI’s continued contribution to developing women for leadership and decision-making roles across sectors,” she added.
This also led to the launch of the WELSI SheLeads Mentorship Program in June. The program currently supports eight mentor/mentee relationships and is anticipated to grow over the coming months and year.
Ms. Naesol also highlighted the future priorities for WELSI heading into the future.
She said they are looking at expanding the organization’s capacity and capability to be able to deliver more services and benefits to members through diversification of organic revenue streams, corporate sponsorship and grant funding support.
“Also expand leadership trainings and professional development opportunities for women in the executive leadership space to strengthen their leadership skills and competencies.
“With this we aim to increase membership numbers of WELSI by increasing the value proposition for members and strengthen mentorship and peer networks for women in executive leadership,” she said.
WELSI, launched in October 2024, is an initiative that was birthed through a strategic collaboration between three partner organisations, 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) bearing witness to the rise of a movement that will impact generations to come.
ENDS///…with photo
Caption:
Photo 1: WELSI members, stakeholders and the new WELSI Board members during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday 13 August 2026 at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara.