Researcher to present draft of study into Solomons matrilineal society at USP Campus in Honiara today

A Solomon Islands researcher who is about to complete a research into matrilineal aspects of society on Guadalcanal, Isabel and Makira as part of an overall study being carried out in Micronesia and Vanuatu will be presenting a draft of the research at the USP Campus in Honiara this morning.

Mrs Ruth Maetala, a former General Secretary of the National Council of Women who is doing the research in Solomon Islands says the programme is a joint initiative by the Pacific Studies Department of the South Pacific and the Pacific Islands Forum.

Mrs Maetala says the research into the matrilineal aspects of society in Pacific Island countries is being conducted in three island countries, particularly Micronesia, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands.

Mrs Maetala says her research focuses on Guadalcanal, Isabel and Makira. She adds the Western and Central Provinces also practice a matrilineal system.

"The study focuses on women in respect to land, land management, access to land, and control of land. In addition, the study also looks at how women make decisions within existing structures, from traditional societies, compared to the present situations they have."

It is understood an open discussion will follow the presentation today.

Source: SIBC