THE Inland Baining Local Level Government (LLG) in East New Britain has re-established its council of women executive.Tracy Penias from Avungi Ward was elected as president, while Monica Issac from Vunga Ward as her Vice President.
The election was facilitated by Gloria Liskia, the acting district social development officer, Anne Sapat the women’s representative for Gazelle District Development Authority board, and Beddie Jubilee, the executive officer from the Electoral Office.
The programme aimed to coordinate and mobilise the Council of Women across all LLGs in Gazelle District, prior to the establishment of the district’s Council of Women. The programme also aimed to ensure that women take ownership of the formations and to raise awareness among women about the importance of establishing women’s councils in their LLGs.
The election followed the guidelines outlined in the National Women’s Council Constitution, allowing all ward presidents and appointed women’s representatives to be nominated and elected to various positions.
Three representatives from each ward, who are part of the Ward Women’s Council, were invited to participate in forming the LLG Council of Women.During the programme, Jubilee conducted a presentation on the concept of women’s roles and responsibilities. Liskia said women’s councils in the LLGs had been established previously but remained inactive for years.
“We are establishing these Councils to empower them to manage their women’s issues,” she said. Lassul-Baining, Reimber, and Toma-Vunadidir are still in the process of re-establishing their councils.
