IWD 2006 media | PNG

Proposal on gender post set for Cabinet
The National, PNG

A SUBMISSION will be made to the National Executive Council for the creation of a position called gender advisor to assist in any legislative matters.
This move is aimed at pushing gender equality and to see PNG women have greater participation in decision making, says Community Development Minister Dame Carol Kidu.
Speaking at the International Women’s day Celebration organised by the National Council of Women yesterday, she said it was hoped that this position will come directly under the Prime Minister’s Department.
Dame Carol said the move also coincided with this year’s theme as women world over called for greater involvement of women in decision making.
But she told the women leaders not to view “decision-making” as only at the political level but also at the statutory levels, churches, small non-governmental organisations and at their own communities.
She called on women to think of it as a move that would contribute to the economic sphere as a whole in the long run and not just in politics generally.
She said the issue of gender equality must be seen as part of the human rights issue.
However, she pointed out that one of the major obstacle that has prevented women from achieving goals and visions, was the lack of financial support.
Thus Dame Carol, in her efforts to help the adverse trend, is preparing to launch a fund that will be known as WINGS – Women in National Government or Statutory bodies – later this month.
The aim of this to raise funds to support and promote women issues and collaborate women as part of the strategies for a political voice.