Jiwaka women in poll awarenes drive

By PISAI GUMAR
WOMEN leaders in Pepik village, Minj, Jiwaka took part in a two-day election awareness programme in preparation for the national election.
It was organised by the Mt Hagen-based charity organisation Foundation for Rural Development Inc in partnership with the Electoral Commission and funded by AusAid.
It was to educate and ensure local civil society groups, especially women, were involved in voter awareness leading up to the election.
It was also to empower civil society organisations to carry out awareness in their respective communities, LLGs and provinces to promote election strategies set out by Electoral Commission for a fair and free election.
The 12 women advocates selected from Anglimp, South Waghi and North Waghi took part.
The major awareness programme will be held when funding is made available.
It was conducted by specialist trainer Toksy Tamara from the Mt Hagen provincial electoral office.
Tamara said the women were educated to represent the wider region of Jiwaka. They trusted the women because they were eager and groomed to conduct awareness.
FORD Inc managing director Andreas Pu’u said election was everyone’s business.
“Bribery and intimidation are rife in our society and women have shown up to take the leading role to educate people in respective communities to enlighten voters on the consequence of such actions,” said Pu’u. 
Givens Opur, a high school teacher, said as a woman, she was eager to speak out on the failures of the mandated leaders.