Respect women and girls: GG

National
From right: Henao Rakatani with daughters Ruth, Gau and Mathilda celebrating 46th independence anniversary at Laiwaden oval in Madang on Wednesday. Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae called on the country and its leaders to respect women and girls.

By EHEYUC SESERU
GOVERNOR-GENERAL Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae has called on everyone to be united and give more respect to women.
In his 46th independence message delivered in Madang, Sir Bob said women were always targeted and had been victims of violence.
“Our mothers and sisters are living with fear,” he said.
“They are being tortured silently and suffering in pain because of accusations of sorcery.
“Our women are very important.
“They are a host to the life.

Students from Mamose region performing a traditional crocodile dance at the Zion Zeal Elementary at Port Moresby’s 9-Mile Chapter last Wednesday. Nationalpic by CLIFFORD FAIPARIK

“Women shelter unborn in their womb and must be respected.”
Sir Bob said in Melanesian culture, we saw women as having no value, but God had created them important to start and bear life.
“A lot of women are dying in cities and rural villages at the hands of man,” he said.
“I am appealing to Papua New Guineans to respect our women.
“If women are happy, the household, family, community and country will also be happy.

Lae MP John Rosso and public servants celebrating Independence with inmates at Buimo Prison in Lae, Morobe last Thursday. Rosso told the inmates to make good choices. – Nationalpic by LARRY ANDREW

“If people are living harmoniously, there will be progress and developments.
“Law and order problems and issues within Christian churches must be addressed.”
Sir Bob appealed to all men to respect women and girls.
“Loving and accepting each other should be at the centre of our lives,” he said.
“Our leaders should demonstrate tolerance for people and fear the Lord. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of everything.
“Fear Anutu (God) and he would open our eyes to reason right from wrong.

Busamang primary school students in Huon Gulf, Morobe, from the sia cultural group performing during the students’ cultural show on Wednesday.

“So, everything we do will progress.”
Sir Bob said leaders should have reverence for God, that he would show the right path for making decisions and leading people.
“Fear Lord and use resources wisely for future generations,” he said.
“People are no longer respecting Government and church leaders.
“We should respect each other, our leaders, unite and live harmoniously as God’s people.”
Sir Bob said leaders from different areas in districts must respect those at provinces and work together.
He called on people to have respect and submit to the church and Government leaders.