Create opportunities for women: Aust MP

CREATING opportunities for women to participate in decision-making and economic development is the best way to achieve and build strong communities, an Australian Member of Parliament says.
Minister for International Development and the Pacific Concetta Fierravanti-Wells said during her recent visit to PNG that through the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development initiative, Australia provided about K137 million (AUD$58m) to increase women’s participation in decision-making, increase economic opportunities and strengthening the response to family and sexual violence in PNG.
“These projects are positively impacting the quality of health services that are provided to the people of Milne Bay,” she said.
“I commend the leadership of Milne Bay on this success.
“I am pleased that Australia has been able to partner with Papua New Guinea to contribute to these achievements.
“We recognise that one of the best ways to achieve stronger communities, societies and economies is to provide opportunities for women and girls.”
Fierravanti-Wells visited the newly opened Bubuleta community health post which was providing quality maternal and child health services in the community.
She said this was the first of 32 community health posts built throughout the country under the rural primary health service delivery project funded by Australia, Papua New Guinea and Japan, the Asian Development Bank, Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the World Health Organisation.
Australia provided about K127.1 million (AUD$53.7 million) for the project.
Fierravanti-Wells also met with Australian obstetrician Dr Barry Kirby, whose safe motherhood intervention project and flying doctor service, provides maternal health training and support for pregnant women in remote areas.
The Australian High Commission provided about K378,000 (AUD$160, 000) to support the project.