By GABRIEL KATUHO
WOMEN and girls from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) will now be empowered in order for them to be financially independence.
This follows funding support of more than K2million being invested with Mama Bank by three leaders from the region as startup capital for the women and girls to open their accounts.
Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr took the lead by investing K2 million.
He said as an autonomous region, their aim is to make sure every individual learns the culture of financial independence.
Tsiamalili said now in Bougainville, they are making sure that every household produces four to five bags of cocoa, which is value at K600-K700.
He said Bougainville has 33 constituencies and 44 community governments and he would pay for women within the latter to have access in financial services through Mama Bank. Tsiamalili said women in the New Guinea Islands are customary landowners and the ABG Government wants Bougainville to be a major investor with the bank.
Meanwhile, former deputy ABG Speaker, Francesca Semoso and the ABG chairman for culture and tourism donated K200,000 and K50, 000 respectively.
ABG Public Service Minister Amenda Masono, who initiated the idea, said it is a dream come true for the people of Bougainville.
Mama Bank CEO Gunanidhi Das thanked Tsiamalili and the ABG for allowing the bankk to establish its branch in Buka.
