The Prince of Wales today spoke out passionately against the appalling “scourge” of gender-based violence and the harm it causes society.
Prince Charles, in an address to the Solomon Islands Parliament, said the empowerment of women is essential for a secure future.
The prince, on the final day of his royal tour, which started in New Zealand, said while the “despicable threat of physical violence” existed then society and the economy will suffer.
Charles told Solomon Islands MPs: “With 70 per cent of the population of the Solomon Islands aged 30 or under, it seems to me that there is such great opportunity to harness your human capital in support of your future economic growth and collective wellbeing.
“This means giving young people the skills and personal development training they need to lead productive, fulfilling lives.
“It also means tackling the appalling scourge of gender-based violence, as I know so many of you are determined to do, and empowering women to play a full and equal role in your society.
“In the Solomon Islands, as elsewhere, as long as women face the despicable threat of physical and sexual violence, or discrimination on the basis of their gender, your economy and your society will simply never be able to achieve their full and extraordinary potential.”
Later, Charles conducted a speech in pidgin to hundreds of school pupils and other guests. He arrived at the Lawson Tama in Honiara to applause and was presented with a chupu - a traditional offering which included a live pig tied up.
His speech was greeted with laughter and applause as it became clear he would continue speaking in pidgin English throughout.
In his five-minute address, Charles spoke of the importance of the environment and the welcome he had received in the Solomon Islands.
At church on Sunday the prince lit a candle in memory of the victims of domestic violence.
A recent study by the World Health Organisation revealed an alarming prevalence of violence against women with 64 per cent of women aged 15–49 who had ever had an intimate partner had experienced some kind of violence by the partner in the Solomon Islands
When violence was experienced it said it was more likely to be “severe” than “moderate or mild.”
In all, 18 per cent of women had experienced non-partner violence, and 37 per cent had been sexually abused before the age of 15 on the island realm.
It said survivors of gender based violence was more likely to report poorer health outcomes and nearly four times more likely than others to have attempted suicide.
