By ESWIN PLESIO
THE National Capital District (NCD) Women’s Council held its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 14 years yesterday, bringing together more than 4,000 women at Sir John Guise Stadium in a renewed push to strengthen women’s leadership and representation.
Hosted by the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) through its Family, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (F&GEWE) Branch, the historic gathering saw women from communities across Port Moresby unite to discuss the future of the council and the role of women in nation-building.
Addressing the gathering, NCD Governor Powes Parkop said the voices of women in Papua New Guinea had diminished despite women and girls making up nearly half of the country’s population.
“The voice of our women in our country has gone down. According to the recent census, 49 per cent of the population
are women and girls. That is a very significant population that the country must recognise and acknowledge,” he said.
Governor Parkop said women must not only be heard but their views must also influence decisions that shape the nation’s future.
“The voices of women and girls must be heard. Not just heard, but taken into consideration,” he said.
He urged women throughout the country to set aside their differences and work together for the benefit of their families, communities and the nation.
“I encourage women all around the country not to have differences among themselves but to work together, support each other and move the country forward,” he said.
Governor Parkop also raised concerns over the low representation of women in leadership, saying women account for only about 30 per cent of the public service while only a handful serve in Parliament.
“If half of our country’s population has no voice, then we are leaving 50 per cent of our people behind,” he said.
“I encourage women to stand up and prove that they can do it. They can serve in Parliament, contribute to the economy and lead in the bureaucracy. We need many more women in Parliament because their leadership is essential for the development of Papua New Guinea.”
The AGM marks a major step in reviving the NCD Women’s Council after 14 years and is expected to strengthen women’s participation in leadership, governance and community development across the National Capital District.