Separate polling booths for women urged

A WOMEN’S forum has recommended separate polling booths for women and more women candidates in this year’s general election.
The PNG Highland’s regional women’s forum was held in Goroka last week.
Department for Community Development and Religion deputy secretary Jeanne Sliviak said the Government aimed to work in partnership with development partners “so that we can better coordinate activities in the country”.
“Everyone is doing the same thing on the ground without oversight and proper reporting,” Sliviak said.
“This has to change.”
University of Goroka Vice-Chancellor Dr Musawe Sinebare said the forum was to strengthen women’s voices.
Eastern Highlands Governor Julie Soso said it had been a tough journey to run for governor and to be a woman leader in any organisation.
The forum was attended by Lynda Babao-O’Neill, United States Ambassador to PNG Catherine Ebert-Gray, Dame Carol Kidu, NID registrar-general Andrew Barry, Exxon Mobil PNG managing director Andrew Barry and ambassador for women and girls Dr Sharman Stone.