Juha women prepare from LNG project

SOUTHERN Highlands Juha Women Association is the first women’s group to start preparing itself to participate in the multi-billion-kina liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
They elected an interim executive committee last Saturday to be their spokeswoman to negotiate for spin-off benefits from the project.
Interim chairperson Betty Aluah said the association would always work in consultation and stand by their men on project-related matters so that real tangible benefits go to all landowners.
She also urged women to unite and work together to pursue their interests and goals.
“Hard work bears fruits, hence, the association must work hard to organise itself to secure funding from the LNG gas project and invest in businesses.
The Juha gas area covers two tribes, the Fabi and the Tugube. The 10 women representatives are from both tribes.
A tribal chief who attended the women’s meeting at the Hideaway Hotel in Port Moresby, Allan Kelolo, commended the women for their initiative to meet and organise themselves.
Mr Kelolo said in many gas related projects, women were often left behind from negotiations while the men pursued their interests.
“In most instances, there are infightings between male groups for money, status and power,” he added.