Aust minister meets two women colleague MPs

By LULU MARK
THE Government of Australia will continue to support initiatives to empower Papua New Guinean women to take part in political leadership, an official says.
As part of the Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Penny Wong’s three-day visit, she had a meeting with the two women MPs, Central Governor Rufina Peter and Rai Coast MP Kessy Sawang, on Monday afternoon.
Yesterday morning, she visited the Sogeri National School of Excellence where she engaged with the students and teachers through a panel discussion around the opportunities and challenge for women in leadership in different fields including diplomacy, policy and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) education.
As a female leader in politics, Wong’s advice to PNG girls with political aspirations was to find their own voice and have courage and a strategy to go about it.
She also stressed on inclusivity in the community and urged boys to have the willingness to work with girls.
“When we have people who are not able to participate because of violence and exclusion, it’s a tragedy for them (and the community),” she said.
“Use your power and authority to enable everybody to participate.”
She said talents should be harnessed in order to strengthen communities.
She said the sentiment of why the meeting with the two women MPs was sought was similar to what was discussed with the students.
“I believe that we need to harness the talents of our whole community and that the community is stronger when we do that.
“These are ultimately decisions for Papua New Guineans and your democracy.
“We (Australia) are really pleased to see that two women are involved in that level of leadership – recognising that there are women in leadership at different levels of Papua New Guinean society.
“Australia will continue to contribute to that as part of the democratic project.
“But also because if we enable and empower everyone to participate in their different ways, I think the community is strengthened,” Wong said.