Plans to groom woman for poll

National

By HELEN TARAWA
THE Registry of Integral Political Parties and Candidates has plans to mentor women in preparation for the 2022 national election, Registrar Dr Alphonse Gelu says.
Dr Gelu told The National that about 10 women would be identified from each of the four regions of Southern, New Guinea Islands, Mamose and Highlands.
“We don’t have any woman in Parliament, through this mentoring exercise we hope to get at least one or two women in the next election,” he said.
“We have been working with political parties to prepare women candidates.
“There are no challenges for political parties working with women candidates.
“Some parties have already started with the quota system and this is in line with the revised organic law.
“We want to identify more women but due to funding we can only manage 10,” he said.
Dr Gelu said although it’s not a law yet, political parties have the right to have women on board for the 2022 election.
“We are encouraging them to spend time – assist the women to prepare for the 2022 elections.”
Dr Gelu said the registry aimed to set up a fund to assist women, especially those who they would be mentoring.
“For the political parties that have women, we will assist them to prepare them.
“Political parties will provide a list of things that the women candidates need and we will assist.
“At the moment we don’t have any funds but we hope to get assistance through our partners.
“We are all looking forward to 2022 and hopefully something good will come up for this.”
Dr Gelu said there were good stakeholders, including the Labour Party from Australia which would be training five women who were confirmed to stand for elections in 2022.
“Out of the 10 women that have already confirmed, five will be taking part in training organised by the Labour Party.
“Other partners include the United Nations Population Fund (UNDP) PNG and Suva office and the UN Women.
“The biggest challenge we have is with funding and we hope that the Government will assist us.”

5 comments

  • This is a very good initiative and I support and wouldn’t mind to give a try, why not!

  • This is better idea to mentor women to contest against men and hopefully into parliament.
    Do not get women into parliament any other way that is not democratic.

  • Dr Gelu, look at your history and do some research! PNG people are educated and can identify leaders amongst men and women hence have elected women into every level of government including national parliament over the years. When these women don’t make it back, it is only because of their performance unlike Dame Kidu outperformed most in leadership.
    I have seen women who take to politics as those with questionable family issues. Don’t get me wrong. Most silent women are highly educated yet living family life of respect, dedication, trustworthiness and faithfulness to partners.

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