Women hailed as those who gave peace a chance

National

By HEZRON KISING
THE women’s role at village and community levels in Bougainville has played a significant role in the Bougainville Peace Agreement process, a women’s group official says.
PNG National Council of Women president Theresa Jaintong said this at the conclusion of a conference on the Bougainville referendum in Port Moresby.
“Bougainville is a matrilineal society where women are leaders, governing affairs of their society. That has encouraged women to talk to their husbands, brothers and sons to uphold peace. We want to make sure there is peace for our family,” she said.
Jaintong said the importance of women’s role in politics also contributed to peace.
“Women’s contributions have guaranteed the withdrawal of security forces in 1990 and played a significant role in BPA since peace talks started,” she said.
Bougainville Women’s Federation president Rachael Sien said Bougainville women were credited as the initiators of peace.
“It was a painful experience for women throughout the crisis. The respect of our male counterparts towards us has brought lasting peace in our society. It is evident today that Bougainville women are still working side by side with their men to ensure BPA in reference to the referendum is achieved,” Sien said.
Jaintong said ABG women’s federation and the National Council of Women would reconcile on Monday as a sign of their commitment towards achieving their goals.
She appealed to the government, ABG and other stakeholders to do the same before referendum.