Reserved seats defeat gender equality

I HAVE been observing  the debates surrounding the so-called women leaders led by  the likes of Scola Kakas and Janet Sape in rallies to gain support on the 22 reserved seats.
They have been pushing despe­rately, by storming the parliament’s public gallery and the Chimbu wo­men’s group even threatened they would not vote in the election unless the bill is passed.
I believe women have the same right as men to be MPs but not through this bill.
Through  commitment and  determination, most women today are professionals in fields that were previously male-dominated and are now   on the same playing field as men.
Gender equality in PNG should be promoted, upheld and protected, where everyone has equal rights and freedom to participate.
Pushing for reserved seats defeats the concept of democracy and gender equality, as women will then be seen as inferior and not equal players.
Dame Josephine Abaijah, Nahau Rooney and Dame Carol Kidu are champions in the political arena and have set the benchmark for others to follow.
Women must uphold their dignity and integrity, and not drag themselves and others into second-class seats in parliament
They must broaden their mindsets, think forward and believe in themselves.
Contest the national election in or­der to enter parliament, not by reserved seats.
The government must also have money and resources for awareness programmes to change mindsets.
This will cost people less than funding the 22 seats for years.

George Warr Pind
Mendi