‘Organisations must support women’

GOVERNOR-General Sir Paulias Matane wants the people to proudly participate in the nominations for The Pride of PNG Awards for Women 2010.
“There are many deserving women out there.
“Most women work tirelessly for others and they are silently contributing to the success of this nation.
“They are the ones who work behind the scenes and yet we choose to ignore their work,” he said at the launch of nominations for the awards yesterday.
Pride of PNG Awards for Women is a community service initiative by City Pharmacy to recognise and reward the women of PNG.
The awards are for women who are not well-known but are contributing immensely to the development of the country through their involvement in the community, in their jobs as public servants or in various projects and activities.
Sir Paulias said many women had toiled for many years in the fields of education, health, community development, churches but did not ask or seek recognition.
“The very essence of these awards is to celebrate the lives of women, their simplicity, dedication and their perseverance and tireless efforts,” he said.
Sir Paulias, who is the patron for the programme, commended City Pharmacy for recognising the role of women towards nation-building.
He called on other corporate organisations to undertake similar efforts to recognise other sectors for patriotism, innovation and cohesiveness in nation-building.
City Pharmacy, in dedicating a decade to the awards, anticipates a clear vision of supporting more than 60 women in the work they do.
There are six categoriesfor the awards:
* Young PNG;
* Bravery and courage;
* Community spirit;
* Care and compassion;
* Environment; and
* Education and role model
Also at the launch were Patrina Dikin, who won an award in 2007 for community spirit, and Manoka Igo, a receptionist with Cheshire Home, award winner for the disability category in 2008.
Nominations close on July 16.