National Capital District Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop, together with Prime Minister Hon. James Marape and Madam Rachel Marape, led the International Women’s Day Unity Walk in Port Moresby, joining citizens, leaders, and international partners in a powerful show of solidarity for women’s rights and equality.
The Unity Walk, from Ela Beach to Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, marked the city’s collective commitment to advancing gender equality. Governor Parkop highlighted International Women’s Day as a global occasion to celebrate women’s achievements while calling for continued action to secure rights and justice.
Governor Parkop expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Marape’s participation, noting that his presence underscored the national government’s commitment to elevating women’s status and improving the quality of life for women and girls.
Prime Minister Marape, emphasized that International Women’s Day is both a celebration and a call to empower women and girls to shape Papua New Guinea’s future.
He reaffirmed his government’s intention to strengthen women’s representation in leadership, including plans to reserve a nominated parliamentary seat for the President of the National Council of Women.
Acting Australian High Commissioner Andrew Lochrin, highlights Australia–PNG partnership & PNG Women Lead Programme will continue to advocate for Gender equality and women’s empowerment in society, and economy.
“Papua New Guinea and Australia share a vision where all women, men, girls, and boys have equal access to resources, freedom, and opportunities” he said.
JICA Chief Representative Matsuoka Hideaki, states that changes is possible when everyone works together.
“Each of us, communities, leaders, partners and individuals has a role to play.” Helps build safer and stronger families and communities, that contributes to a better PNG.
JICA remains committed to supporting gender equality. Focusing on empowering women and girls across the country.
Deputy Country Representative Ms. Tosin Akibu, speaking on behalf of UN Women, honored the resilience and contributions of Papua New Guinea’s women, declaring that the nation’s future rests in their hands; she stated “If we don’t double our efforts to bridge the gender gap, studies have shown that it will take at least 280 years to achieve gender equality. “
Governor Parkop acknowledged the support of indigenous leaders, international partners, and diplomatic representatives, including Acting Australian High Commissioner Andrew Lochrin, New Zealand High Commissioner Peter Swat, JICA Chief Representative Matsuoka Hideaki, and UN Women Deputy Country Representative Tosin Akibu.
He further outlined key government achievements advancing gender equality:
- Adoption of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy.
- Upcoming launch of the 10-year Women’s Economic Empowerment Strategy on 24 March.
- Implementation of the Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Strategy.
- Elevation of the Special Parliamentary Committee on GBV to a Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.
Governor Parkop concluded by stressing that gender equality is essential for Papua New Guinea’s national development and called for collective mobilization to deliver a stronger narrative for women and girls as the nation approaches its 50th anniversary.