Support women in next election

THIS is a call for all women in the country to stand for election in next year’s national general elections.
I commend the move by the Community Development Youth and Religion secretary Anna Bais to resign and contest the by-election for the Moresby North West seat vacated by the untimely death of Sir Mekere Morauta.
I believe this move by Bais, as well as the records set by former women politicians such as late Nahau Rooney, Dame Josephine Abaijah, Dame Carol Kidu, Loujaya Kouja, Delilah Gore and Julie Soso, will motivate other women to challenge men in politics.
For too long, our parliament was dominated by men due to the fact that our culture has recognised men as the dominant forces in areas of leadership and decision making.
Men have failed miserably since Independence to deliver tangible developments.
It is time our people changed their mindsets and elect women into parliament. Women are good managers of the family. Some have broken gender barriers and have proven successful in many areas.
For example, in my electorate of North Waghi, I would like to see women contest the upcoming elections.
I would like to commend a couple of women that have contested the last elections, most notably Helen Kopunye, Daisy Ondokoi, Josephine Ambelye and Veronica Waieng.
I am appealing to more women from the district to rise and contest next year’s elections because this is an opportune time to challenge men on an equal playing field.
Women have the potential to lead the people of North Waghi.
They can set a precedence that has never been set.
Men should have confidence in our women to lead.
They should not restrict women from contesting the elections.
Husbands, fathers and brothers, let us cooperate and accord women candidates the same support we have for men.

John Brian Nepi,
Banz