RAPPP Supports RSIPF Women to Lead, Inspire and Drive Change

More than 200 women police officers from across Solomon Islands gathered in Honiara on 22–23 July for the RSIPF Women's Advisory Network (WAN) Annual General Meeting, held under the theme "We Lead: Empowering Women, Inspiring Change." The event was supported by the RSIPF and AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP).

The two-day event brought together women from every province, command and rank within the RSIPF to strengthen professional networks, share experiences, build leadership skills and help shape the future of women in policing. The AGM reflects the ongoing commitment of the RSIPF and RAPPP to building a stronger, more inclusive police service.

Held at Heritage Park Hotel, the AGM gave participants the opportunity to discuss issues affecting women police officers, contribute to the development of the RSIPF Gender Strategy 2026–2036, and take part in sessions on leadership, wellbeing, professional development and gender inclusion.
Opening the AGM, Acting Commissioner RSIPF James Aitorea reaffirmed the RSIPF's commitment to creating opportunities for women to lead and succeed.

"Women make an important contribution across the RSIPF, including in frontline policing, investigations, operations, administration, community engagement, leadership and provincial policing," Acting Commissioner Aitorea said.

"Supporting women in policing strengthens the whole organisation and improves the RSIPF's ability to serve communities with professionalism, trust and respect. The RSIPF remains committed to building a safe, respectful, inclusive and capable police force where all members have the opportunity to contribute and lead."

RAPPP Executive Kylie Walsh also highlighted the importance of women's leadership and the role of WAN in creating opportunities for women across the organisation.

"Through the partnership between the RSIPF and AFP under RAPPP, we continue to support initiatives that strengthen women's leadership, build capability and promote gender inclusion across the organisation. Bringing together women police officers from every province creates valuable opportunities to share experiences, strengthen professional networks and support the next generation of women leaders within the RSIPF," Walsh said.

Throughout the AGM, participants took part in leadership discussions, a Women in Leadership panel, provincial presentations and workshops that will help shape the organisation's next Gender Strategy. The AGM was supported by RAPPP as part of its ongoing partnership with the RSIPF to strengthen leadership, organisational capability and gender equality.

A key outcome of the AGM was the election of a new Women's Advisory Network Executive for the next two-year term. Members elected RSIPF Gender Coordinator Staff Sergeant Faye Siapu as the new WAN Chair, along with a new committee that will continue to support and represent women across the organisation.

Outgoing WAN Chair Gina Taupongi said the network continues to play an important role in supporting and empowering women throughout the RSIPF.

"When women support women, we all succeed. This AGM is about ensuring every woman in RSIPF, regardless of where she serves, has a voice, has support and has the confidence to lead. Together, we are creating opportunities for the next generation of women in policing."
Mrs Taupongi congratulated the newly elected Executive and wished them well as they begin their two-year term.

"I would like to congratulate Staff Sergeant Faye Siapu on her election as the new WAN Chair, along with the newly elected committee members. I wish them every success as they lead the Women's Advisory Network over the next two years. I have every confidence they will continue to strengthen the network and support women across the RSIPF."

She also thanked WAN members, the RSIPF Executive, RAPPP and all partners for their continued support throughout her term as Chair.

The AGM also highlighted progress in gender equality across the RSIPF, including leadership development opportunities, mentoring initiatives, increased recruitment of women and improved support for female officers.

Through RAPPP, the Australian Federal Police continues to work alongside the RSIPF to strengthen leadership, organisational capability and gender inclusion across the organisation.

As the AGM concluded, participants were encouraged to identify practical ways they could support and empower other women within the RSIPF. The event showcased the leadership, professionalism and contribution of RSIPF women and reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to building a more inclusive and capable police force for Solomon Islands.