Madang marks Women’s Day

By JAYNE SAFIHAO
WOMEN in Madang province commemorated Women’s Day with a float and torch parade over the weekend.
The women converged on the provincial government offices clad in white tops or blouses with purple sashes which read, ‘say no to violence’ holding banners and placards stating: mipela man tu ya, tingim mipela (We are human beings consider us).
Despite the overcast sky, a float with banners and women divided in two groups started walking.
Group A took the route from Laiwaden to Maritime College, Divine Word University Gov Stoa, Modilon Road, Airport way junction, Lae Builders, Modilon junction road and back to Laiwaden oval.
 Group B took the Modilon road to Kalibobo Drive past Yamauan Street and Coastwatchers Avenue, Kalibobo Drive, Regina Avenue, Coronation Drive, Modilon road and back.
At night the women started their torch march at the Laiwaden Oval but did not stick to the original route planned as time and the weather conditions did not permit.
They took to other risky locations of their choice aided by security from Youth Link and guarded by the town traffic police.
Delma Famudi, an organiser of the event, said the theme for this year was “Women take back the night; End all forms of violence against women”.
She said the aim was for women to take back the night and to move around freely whenever and wherever they wanted.
Famudi said a volunteer, Veronica Mondejar,  helped her team to organise the celebrations.