Joyce lives in West Are’are in the Solomon Islands and is a mother of six. Much of her life revolves around finding ways to support her children’s education, which she believes is the most important gift she can give them. She often reminds her children that education is the key to their future and works tirelessly to cover school fees and other costs. To earn an income, she grows taro, potatoes, bananas and vegetables, bakes cakes to sell, and paddles across the sea to reach markets, sometimes in difficult and unsafe conditions.
Life in her village has become harder as rising sea levels continue to damage parts of her garden. Swamp taro, once a reliable crop, has been destroyed by seawater. These changes threaten her ability to grow food and earn money, yet Joyce continues to adapt, planting what she can and relying on her determination to keep her family supported.
Through the West Are’are Rokotanikeni Association, supported by Oxfam, Joyce has found community, knowledge and new opportunities. She attends trainings, saves through the women’s savings programme and has gained skills that help her manage her household and grow her confidence. She speaks proudly of how WARA has taught her leadership, cooking and financial skills, and how these learnings have shaped her life.
Today, Joyce keeps working hard for her children and her community. She hopes to see young people grow into strong and responsible leaders, and she teaches her own children to be kind, respectful and motivated. Her focus remains on creating a safer and more hopeful future for those she loves. Despite the challenges she faces, Joyce continues to move forward with strength and care.
Solomon islands Climate Finance & empowerment Project
Oxfam Aotearoa’s Climate Finance & Empowerment project in Solomon Islands supports women in rural communities to build resilience, gain financial confidence and participate more equally in decisions that affect their lives. Working through the five‑year Kōtui programme, the project strengthens women’s access to resources through savings groups led by local partner WARA, helping women develop financial literacy, leadership skills and greater influence in community planning.
At the same time, the project works to make climate finance governance more inclusive and transparent. By partnering with WARA and SICAN, Oxfam is helping communities engage traditional leaders, improve representation of women in local governance training, and track how climate funds flow to those most affected by rising seas and climate instability. Together, these efforts aim to ensure women’s voices shape climate policy, resource allocation and long‑term adaptation planning across Solomon Islands.
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