The call for a dedicated Women’s Ministry in Papua New Guinea is a pivotal moment for gender equality and governance.
Women’s advocate Dorothy Tekwie emphasizes the urgent need for national support to address the long-standing governance failures affecting women. Despite decades of policies aimed at women’s empowerment, tangible changes remain elusive, leaving women facing significant challenges in safety, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Women’s Empowerment Needs Stronger Governance
Fifty years post-Independence, Papua New Guinea has seen eight prime ministers and numerous Parliaments, yet real progress for women has been minimal. Women are the backbone of society, sustaining families and communities despite limited support or recognition from the government.
The current approach to women’s issues is fragmented, with responses scattered across various agencies. This lack of coordination has resulted in minimal impact on women’s lives, highlighting the need for a more structured and accountable approach.
Pursuing a Dedicated Women’s Ministry
A dedicated Women’s Ministry could centralize policy, funding, and program delivery, enhancing the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at empowering women. This ministry would also aim to revive the National Council of Women, which has faced challenges since 2013 due to insufficient resources.
For the ministry to be effective, it must transcend symbolic gestures. It requires strong leadership, professional standards, and rigorous performance monitoring to ensure that success is measured by real improvements in the lives of women and girls, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Next Steps for Women’s Advocacy in PNG
- Establish a dedicated Women’s Ministry.
- Revive the National Council of Women.
- Implement strong leadership and professional standards.
- Focus on performance monitoring and accountability.
Empowering women is essential for transforming Papua New Guinea’s future.
