'Luxury' and 'Disturbances': Women's Views on City Life in Honiara Settlements

Abstract

Increasing numbers of men and women have established homes, livelihoods and families on lands in Honiara they cannot own (see also Keen and Barbara 2015). Settlers come from all the nation’s islands, may attend school, work in formal jobs, and/or earn a living in the informal sector. Their struggles illuminate and challenge the idea that land is the crucial basis for social protection, food security, identity and social relations in the region. SSGM’s research on urbanisation in Honiara aims to engage with government, business, and settlement communities to inform and mobilise urban planning, policy and research priorities. From August to September 2016, the authors partnered with World Vision Solomon Islands to conduct five focus groups involving 50 women aged 18–65, from three of Honiara’s settlement communities: Sun Valley, White River, and Lord Howe.1 The research aimed to generate insights into women’s experiences and priorities. This In Brief describes women’s views on and experiences of city life. Show more