Association reveals most most teachers in Port Moresby are women

Women teachers occupy 60 per cent of teaching positions in the National Capital District and their work is highly appreciated, says Raymond Ray, the regional secretary for PNG teachers’ association.
“Despite the challenges of overcrowded classrooms, lack of teachers’ houses and other issues, these women are dedicated to their jobs,” Ray said on Friday as the PNG Teachers’ Association observed national women’s day at Gordon’s Secondary School, Port Moresby.
He said Friday’s event was not about women teachers only, it was also “about all women and how we should appreciate them”.
The chief guest at the event was Dame Josephine Abijah – a former teacher and politician. She said women should support one another.
Association national general secretary Ugwalubu Mowana said there were ways to help women to be more involved in nation building. These included:

• More girls to enroll in schools and complete their basic education;
• More scholarships for women and girls to do specialist training overseas and in industries in Papua New Guinea;
• Encourage women to take up roles usually reserved for men;
• Give women more leadership training opportunities;
• Provide a quota system for women in higher institutions including universities; and,
• Train women to take up managerial positions in businesses.

“I want to urge you all today to celebrate your day and … work hard to eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable, including persons with disabilities and children in vulnerable situations.”