Why ex-MP Dame Abaijah opposes reserved seats for women

The National People

BEING a woman in politics is never easy, which requires them to be strong, fearless and most of all, prepared for a hectic life in the political arena.
Dame Josephine Abaijah, a former politician and PNG’s pioneer female MP, believes that women do not need reserved seats to get into Parliament. What they rather need is the will to stand up and fight.
“Don’t be afraid to stand alone. When I was in Parliament, I often found myself alone. But I knew what I was there for, who I was there for. I was there for my people, the people who put me in Parliament.
“So I spoke for them. I asked the questions they wanted me to ask. I made statements they wanted heard.
“Even when everyone else didn’t think it was right, I did it because that’s what the people wanted.”
Dame Josephine’s political career began in 1972 when she contested and won the Central provincial seat, becoming the first woman to win a seat in the House of Assembly.
“There were six men, and then there was me. And I won.
“The people chose me.”

“ There were six men, and then there was me. And I won. The people chose me.”
After over 40 years in politics, Dame Josephine Abaijah was awarded the US secretary of state’s International Women of Courage Award back in March of 2014. Dame Josephine is pictured with former US deputy secretary of state for East Asia & Pacific Affairs Dennise Mathieu (left) and Dr dt Ogilvie, founder of the center for Urban Entrepreneurship, during the ceremony in Port Moresby. – Filepic

She was re-elected in 1977 in the National Capital District provincial constituency. Despite losing in the next two elections (1987 and 1992), she returned to Parliament after winning the Milne Bay Regional seat in 1997.
“I did it. Nahau (Rooney) did it. If we did, other women can do it to.”
Dame Josephine recalls those times on the campaign trail mixing with the people, getting to know them – which is the key.
“Let the people know who you are and that you are there for them. Eat with them, sleep with them, live with them.”
Dame Josephine believes that many women are unprepared for a life in politics and is urging intending women candidates in this year’s general election to understand fully what they are getting themselves into.
“Women need to be well prepared before they decide to enter politics and contest an election.”
She believes that women possess the natural instinct to help people.
“When I contested, most of the time I was the only woman. These days, that isn’t the case, which shows that women want to stand. But they just need to be better prepared.
“Most women have no idea what politics is about and/or what it comes with – the time, effort, know-how, the sacrifice.”
Her advice to women candidates: Make sure you know what you’re doing and that you are ready to do it.
On the plan to allocate five reserved seats for women, Dame Josephine does not believe it will work.
“It’s too complicated. Even they (Parliament) don’t know how it’s going to work.”
Although many agree it is a good plan, it does not give women a level/equal platform.
“Why are we (women) different? All MPs must be elected into Parliament – man or woman – by the people. This is politics, and in politics, the people say who gets into Parliament. Not Parliament.
“Women can contest and win an election. It has been done, it can be done again.”