CPL women pride awardees named

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The National, Monday 07th November 2011

By JASON GIMA WURI
THE City Pharmacy Ltd (CPL) Group recognised six inspirational women for their efforts in making a positive change in their respective communities through its 2011 Pride of Papua New Gui­nea Awards for women last Thursday.
The six women, who captivated the hearts of many in their respective communities, won the six categories despite hundreds of nominations. They are:
l Brave and courage: Joy Wartovo;
l Care and compassion: Rosa Kepo;
l Young PNG: Christine Kembri;
l Education/role model: Vaira Karua;
l Community Development: Maggie Classon; and
l Environment: Rigo Women of Agricultural Cooperative Society.
Patron of the CPL Pride of PNG Awards and Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio said the winners represented only a handful
of countless, inspirational women silently working with the same hope – for a better and brighter PNG.
“Worldwide, the past three decades have witnessed a steady increase in awareness on empowering women through measures to increase social, economic and political equity, and broader access to fundamental human rights, improvements in nutrition, basic health and education.
“Along with awareness of inequality among women come the concept that gender has an overarching socio-cultural variable, seen in relation to other factors, such as race, class, age and ethnici­ty,” Sir Michael said.
“Gender is not synonymous with women, nor is it a zero sum game, implying loss for men, rather it refers to both women and men, and to their status, relative to each other.
“Gender equality refers to that stage of human development at which the rights, res­ponsibilities and opportunities of individuals will not be determined by the fact of being born male or female.
“Our society needs to see wo­men less a passive recipient of help and more as dynamic promoters of social transformation.
“Empowerment of women through education, employment and ownership rights have a po­werful influence on their ability to control their environment and contribute to economic development,” he said.