Women eyed to lead preparations for referendum

Women are a force to move preparations ahead for the 2019 Bougainville referendum, a government official said.
The Secretary of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), James Tanis, during a celebration of the women unity forum at Bel Isi Park in Buka town yesterday, said he was impressed with the women’s initiative and efforts in the region.
A former rebel who returned after meeting with the reclusive leader of a failed money scheme, ‘The U Vistract’ Noah Musingku, Tanis said he was pleased with women leaders organising an important event as it strengthened the solidarity of women in the region.
“Women are equal partners and we should take them on board to move the referendum preparation efforts. They are a driving force,” Tanis said.
He told the women that unity was a key factor to a peaceful and credible referendum come June 15, 2019.
Those who took part in the peace march included the four ABG women parliamentarians, other colleague ministers, senior public servants and representatives of United Nations.
Women’s groups, children and young people from South, Central and North Bougainville who attended a weeklong forum, also participated in the event which was described as a huge success towards the preparation of the referendum.
They took 2km peace march from Kubu Parliament down to Bel Isi Park to coincide with the ABG Day, an annual event celebrated to mark the signing of the
Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001.