Women's representation in politics has done 3 steps back. During her time there was talk about creating seats for 22 women reps. This was received with mixed feelings, yet there was good support from male MPs.
The 2022 National Election is going to be an interesting one for women candidates. It would be nice to see more women back in politics.
The 2012 to 2017 parliament had 3 sitting female MPs. The situation for women and girls may have stayed the same in Papua New Guinea. But, the situation for woman leaders was NOT represented well by those 3 women MPs. It has deteriorated, don't you think?
This was obvious from the number of women returning to parliament in the 2017 elections. 0
Former Woman MP Delilah Gore 2012 - 2017
For example, MP Delilah Gore's recent alleged spending of the department's K17000 and siding with Arore to oust Governor Juffa is a black mark on her reputation, including woman leaders.
Remember the Air Niugini incident - Yu Save Lo Mi - comment. That was directed at a younger woman. The good things she may have done in her term as minister often goes unnoticed when such an incident hits headline news. Tough.
Former Woman MP Loujaya Toni 2012 - 2017
Take a look at MP for Lae, Loujaya Toni. A few months after her election to the parliament her marriage broke down. Even, as a Melanesian woman leader where simplicity is gold, she does not give the impression of a contemporary PNG woman leader. Or, does she?
The same can be said of male politicians, but the outcome is often different. That is a shame but it is the reality. I only wish there is a right balance when it comes to women vs men politicians in PNG.
What about the Governor of EHP, does she portray a mirrored image a young girl could reflect? Julie Soso can be described as a Melanesian woman. However, as the governor, there is more to be desired of her. She has never done better than Mal Kela Smith or Feti Lafanama.
Goroka Town has not got back the image of the 80s - beautiful and clean. Pigs are roaming the market. Pickpockets are everywhere in town. Shantytowns extended from Genoka to Banana Block and everywhere.
This is the same for the current male governor. He builds the Goroka market but the pigs are still roaming the town. Ominously, the market is not opened yet! The male politicians are NOT better than their female counterparts, but their chance of being re-elected is high. Not fair at all.
Women Politicians Can Chance Public Opinions
Those 3 women leaders CAN change public opinion on women leaders in the country. They failed miserably in this regard.
But there are great women leaders and powerful women politicians in the history of politics in PNG. Dame Josephine Abaija and Dame Carol Kidu are two that came to mind, you can name the others.
These are shining examples of PNG women in politics. Personally, I think women will NOT be great leaders in Parliament, in fact, they will be EXCELLENT leaders.
Come 2022 elections, PNG need to vote in more women leaders - that is for sure. Strong women who can stand tall and proud and represent the nation.
Women who are hardworking, firm and direct.
Former Woman MP Dame Carol Kidu 2007 - 2017 (resigned)
I still have lots of respect for Dame Kidu. She showed how a woman can make a difference.Her contribution is notable. In addition, Dame Kidu topped her career off by being the only opposition leader and the only member of the opposition (PHOTO ABOVE).
She stood against male idiocy in parliament. She is forever to be remembered as one woman opposition.
PNG needs powerful woman leaders and politicians like Dame Carol Kidu!
PNG needs powerful woman leaders and politicians like Dame Carol Kidu!
