Speak out, wives told

IT is important that women identify issues that affect them, Igam Barracks area commander Col. Carl Wrakonei told more than 500 mothers attending a convention.
The wives of soldiers from eight units of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) came togther at Lae’s Igam Barracks for the Military Wives Convention.
During its opening on Monday, Wrakonei reminded the women to participate, get involved and discuss realistic issues that were affecting them.
“One of the common issues affecting military wives, whether at Moem Barracks in Wewak or at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby, is extra marital affairs,” Wrakonei said.
“Give your opinion, be frank, and always speak when you feel there is something you have to say.
“Don’t hold back all your troubles.
“This is your time to speak.
“We need to talk about real issues, where we can address them with positive changes, and move forward.”
Wrakonei said past conventions had seen little, if any ,contributions to the PNGDF and he urged participants to talk about real issues and how PNGDF could make policy changes to address problems such as extra marital affairs, health issues such as cancer, and family and sexual violence.
The next convention will be in 2021 with the host to be announced at the closing ceremony on Friday.