Gender equality still an elusive dream

GENDER equality remains quite an elusive dream for this country.
Despite their noble aims and statements, some relevant Government policies and legislations are far from being totally women-friendly.
Where the country has succeeded in achieving some degree of equality among the sexes, the outcome and benefits have been outstanding personal accomplishment and positive contributions to families, corporations and the country at large.
It is a proven fact that gender equality in all areas of nation-building is certain to bring out the best of every citizen.
Our journey to becoming a fair and smart nation will be quick if gender equality is achieved.
Papua New Guinea Vision 2050, in more ways than one, depends largely on achieving such equality.
It can be sure to make great strides in economic growth and improve our social standing indicators.
Critics may argue that PNG women are better than their sisters in similar situations in other parts of the country, however, there, too, much work is still needed.
One has only to sit in any women’s forum to appreciate the challenges women face.
A few of those challenges, like the ones facing indigenous businesses, are common among women as well as men.
While gender equality may be about equal pay for equal work, it is not just about how much women get paid.
It is about opportunity.
Sometimes all a man has to do is to be in the right place at the right time, or to know the right people, to advance his career, regardless of skill, ability or hard work.
Women must prove themselves and do it over and over again.
They have to work longer hours, show greater dedication and never make mistakes, just to be given a chance to show they can do the same job.
If they are strong-willed, decisive or the slightest bit outspoken, they are criticised and called names — one name in particular.
Men are lauded, and even promoted, for the exact same characteristics.
Anyone who does not think gender discrimination still exists in both the public and private sectors is simply either not paying attention or refusing to admit the obvious.
If you question whether it is harder for a woman to climb the ladder, don’t ask a man.
Ask a woman.
Only she knows the stares, the belittling comments, the rolling of eyes and the obstacles placed in her path of achievement.
The best CEOs, supervisors, bosses and leaders are not men or women, they are people — people who have prepared themselves, worked to gain the necessary skills and training, are dedicated, committed and who hold high standards for themselves and others.
What we are saying is that positions should always go to the best person for the job.
In countries where women have been given all possible opportunities to stand shoulder to shoulder with men, there have been great strides in economic and social advancement.
The Government’s much talked-about small-to-medium-enterprise policy has received its fair share of criticism because it does not adequately address women entrepreneurs’ issues.
If the Government is serious about addressing gender equality and gender-based violence, it should provide support in terms of allocating funds in the annual budgets and providing capacity and incentives for them.