Moreover, the Government s experience with community schools has demonstrated that local people are able to contribute their limited resources for services which they consider to be of great importance. This indicates that, in coming years, there may be scope in the ADB s program to work in close partnership with Government, local communities, and NGOs on poverty alleviation programs. In preparation, the ADB proposes to conduct a poverty assessment of the Solomon Islands in 2000. Gender Issues 7. In rural areas, where 80 percent of the population resides, the lives of women center around growing and preparing food, collecting water and firewood, supervising livestock, and caring for children and the elderly.
Women are also active in the self-employed sector.
In 1992, about 81 per cent of primary school age girls were enrolled in primary school. However, women continue to be disadvantaged in both educational attainment and access. While there are usually the same proportion of girls and boys at the lower primary school levels, proportionately fewer girls complete Grade 6, fewer girls move on to secondary education, and even fewer complete the secondary cycle. In 1992, only 12 percent of the population of secondary school age girls were enrolled in secondary school. Girls accounted for only 38 percent of all secondary school students, and made up only 31 percent of Grade 12 students.