Women Make Waves

The Women Make Waves initiative encompasses a holistic approach to address the root causes of gender inequality and gender-based violence (GBV), employing a strategy that intertwines education, empowerment, and community engagement.

Our Approach: Our program is characterised by its:

•    Holistic Strategy: Addressing the root causes of gender inequality and GBV through education, empowerment, and active community involvement.
•    Collaborative Efforts: Forging strategic partnerships with organisations that share similar goals, focusing on alignment with program outcomes for maximum impact.
•    Strengths-Based Philosophy: Building upon the strengths and assets of individuals and communities to foster resilience and positive change.
•    Inclusive Participation: Ensuring active involvement and benefits for individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities, including women and girls as well as men and boys.
•    Participatory Design: Engaging the community, stakeholders, and participants in decision-making, program design, and evaluation to ensure programs are relevant and sustainable.
•    Rights-Based Framework: Grounding our program in human rights principles, guaranteeing equal access to opportunities and resources, and protection from GBV..
•    Sustainability Focus: Building the capacity of the local surfing association and communities to continue advancing gender equality after program completion.

Program Partners:
•    Lead Partner: SurfAid
•    Implementation Partner: Western Solomon Surfing Association
•    Capacity Building Partner: Australian Volunteers International
•    Delivery Partners: Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association and TBC
•    Supporting Organisations: Surfing NSW and Salt Gypsy, among other international organisations and brands championing our cause.

Key Activities:
1.    Surf for Equality Schools Program: A co-ed initiative for high school students that combines education and surf lessons to challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality.
2.    EmpowerHER: A women-only program delivered in local high schools, in collaboration with SurfAid and SIPPA, featuring women's health education and empowering surf lessons.
3.    Surf Therapy: Offering professional counselling and learn-to-surf lessons for women and girls affected by GBV, focusing on trauma recovery in a supportive environment.
4.    Women Make Waves Film Series: A community engagement initiative using films, panel discussions, and partner activations to foster conversations about gender equality and women's health.
5.    Empowerment and Leadership Program: Designed for the Western Solomon Surfing Association (WSSA) as the implementation team, this program focuses on cultivating women's leadership and supporting male champions for gender equality.