Creating ripples of change for women and youth in Malaita

In Malaita, Solomon Islands, where family and culture profoundly shape everyday life, one woman is redefining what empowerment means in her community.

Shirly Teoli, a mother, business leader, and founder of SolKava Exporters, a family-run business in Honiara, is a kava exporter supplying Solomon Islands’ kava to the world. 

What began as a small backyard venture exporting fruits and vegetables has grown into a thriving enterprise connecting local farmers to new international markets.

Before starting her own business, Shirly worked for Solomon Islands Logistics for four years. She resigned in 2009 to begin their family-run export venture supplying fresh fruits and vegetables to Nauru. The idea for the kava business came later, driven by necessity and resilience.

“I started the kava business because I had to work hard to support my family, as my husband was sick with a stroke,” she shared. 

However, Shirly’s journey hasn’t been easy. Like many women entrepreneurs, she’s faced barriers such as limited access to finance, a lack of market information, and navigating complex export standards. Despite these setbacks, she persisted and made inroads.

Economic empowerment of women is a recognised pathway to gender equality and reduced vulnerability. According to UN Women, globally, women-owned micro, small and medium enterprises are estimated to be underfunded by USD 1.7 trillion.

Shirly’s determination and success place her among the growing number of Pacific women proving that when given the right tools and support, women-led businesses can drive economic and social progress.

With support from the European Union-funded SAFE Pacific Project, implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC), Shirly received a grant in 2024 that helped her improve product quality, upgrade facilities, and prepare for HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)certification, which is a key step to meeting international food safety standards. 

Through this, she secured new export deals in Fiji and the Marshall Islands, creating income opportunities for local suppliers.

Today, Shirly employs 19 people, of whom 13 are women. Many are housewives and young people who once struggled to find work. 

“When we get large orders, I can hire more women and youth from the community,” Shirly said.

“These jobs give them a chance to earn and support their families.”

Her decision to employ mostly women comes from a place of empathy.

“I employ women in my business because I am a struggling mother, and I understand the challenges families face,” she said.

Shirly believes that when women have opportunities to earn, they uplift not only their families but entire communities. Looking ahead, her vision is clear: “I encourage women to get involved in any business because women are capable and strong.”

Shirly’s story reflects the theme of this year’s 16 Days of Activism that when women are empowered economically, entire communities benefit. 

By investing in women’s leadership and inclusion in agriculture and trade, the Pacific builds stronger, more resilient societies.