Women’s 22 seats concept explained

National, Normal
Source:

The National,Monday16 January 2012

By BOSORINA ROBBY
THE 22 reserved seats for women has nothing to do with regional seats now occupied by governors seat, says Moresby South MP Dame Carol Kidu.
Speaking yesterday at the women’s forum hosted by the National Council of Women in Port Moresby, Dame Carol said women would be in charge of policy- making decisions, legislation and budget frameworks to ensure women were recognised in the budget and in other official work.
She said these women would work with the governors who could then delegate tasks.
“The prime minister can also choose any of these women to cabinet or head committees; they would be allowed to ask questions on the floor of parliament.
“They are full members of parliament but they do not have any electorate to look after.
“Therefore, I ask that all women must not demand for goodies because they will not have money for that,” she said.
Dame Carol said although a lot of things still had to be done, the Bill had gained momentum and urged all women to lobby their MPs to vote on this bill this week.
She encouraged the women to have candidates in this year’s election as these women would be competing against each other only for votes from both men and women.
“The idea to have 22 reserved seats in the parliament for women only began many years ago and work is still ongoing to ensure we get everything right.”