Appreciate our womenfolk

AS respective countries prepare to mark the International Women’s Day on Sunday, the same should be happening here in Papua New Guinea.
International Women’s Day, a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
The day has marked the plight and achievements of women for more than a century, with the first informal observance held in 1909.
We write this editorial, as a woman who is a daughter, a sister, a mother and a wife.
We are surrounded in this newsroom by amazing women.
We believe you too are surrounded by phenomenal women.
The advancement of women had been one of the most important achievement usually highlighted.
Let’s reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
Commend them. Acknowledge them. Reassure them to pursue their passion and to prosper.
Work towards equality, and as you do, celebrate women, support them and encourage them to succeed.
So, while the world gears towards International Women’s Day, women in many rural areas in the country would have wondered what all the fuss is about.
For PNG, while many of us celebrate the success of gender equality in the workforce, the question we should also be asking is if this success does translate right down to our communities.
Media reports of women dying during childbirth in rural areas because of the lack of medical support and the list goes on.
The struggles of women in rural areas is beyond measure, what they endure to put food out for their families or so their children can go to school.
Another issue worthy of the spotlight also is the violence against women which is one of the most persistent human rights violations today. Gender equality is far from achieved, however.
We still face unconscionable levels of discrimination and violence against women.
The stark reality is that women are a vulnerable group.
Violence against women is a crime.
And yet it is a universal global phenomenon.
While there are varying degrees of abuse that women suffer in their homes and the workplace, it goes without saying that women find themselves threatened in every corner of the world.
Take for instance the burning of women accused of practicing sorcery. The list goes on.
The barbaric assault defies all boundaries of humanity. Besides these there are many faceless and nameless women who face violence daily in their homes and societies. Some speak up, but most bury their voice for fear of a backlash.
Like the lyrics to Mary J. Blige song Strength of a Woman – “We’re the trees left standing through the storms of life. We’ve come so high and we’ve come so far. Can’t hold us back. Strength of a woman”.
Women are the backbone of the family and the foundation of a nation.
They bring life into the world.
They sense the cries of an infant.
Their instincts are to care for the old, the sick and those in need.
Remember, small actions can have big impacts in making this vision a reality.
Let us join #GenerationEquality and become part of the movement to make that change.
Now is the time to harness the power of our activism to make a change for a better PNG.