This paper examines the situation of women in leadership positions in Solomon Islands public service and discusses the factors behind this trend. The first section discusses the context of the study as well as the field experience and data collecting methodologies employed. The second analyses the evidence on the current situation of women in senior and mid-level public service positions, paying specific attention to trends over the last ten years. The third and final section explores the factors underpinning these trends, particularly the notable increase in the number of highly qualified women in the public service, affirmative action and related policies by government and women’s groups, and an attitudinal shift towards the idea of women in positions of leadership within the public service itself.