30 women candidates participate in mock parlt session

THE third practice Parliament for intending women candidates saw 30 women take part in a mock session in the State function room at Parliament House yesterday.
Observing the traditional rituals of a Parliament sitting with the Clerk of Parliament Kala Aufa presiding as the Speaker, the women prayed, then shared a lively debate as prospective ministers and members in their intending seats.
“We are very pleased to support this important initiative which seeks to support aspiring women leaders to develop and practice their public speaking by showcasing their public policy knowledge,” he said.
Aufa acknowledged their partners in the initiative, the Independent Political Parties and Candidates Commission and the United Nations Development Programme in PNG. Former Sohe MP Delilah Gore told The National that for the experienced few who had contested previous elections, the practice Parliament was a chance for them to brush up on their skills while for those who were first timers, this platform provided much needed experience.
During question time, women debated topics such as police brutality, the shortage of drugs in the provincial hospitals, a rising youth population and unemployment, plans to improve the implementation of the tuition fee free policy and gender-based violence.
The mock minister for information and technology also presented the freedom of information Bill 2022 passed with the support of all members and debated and endorsed by the leader of the opposition.