Women leader hails move by O’Neill

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill’s move to revive debate on 22 reserved seats for women in Parliament was overwhelmingly welcomed by the women in Eastern Highlands.
Spokesperson for the women Jennifer Mondia said they welcomed and embraced the move to have female governors alongside male governors for each province and have seats for women in the Parliament.
“On behalf of the silent female population in Eastern Highlands, we salute you Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and also congratulate you on your re-election to the top post,” Mondia said.
“Your statement to bring back the debate on the 22 reserved seats for women in Parliament is good news for all the women of PNG.”
She proposed for the immediate appointment of four regional women representatives in the current Parliament.
Mondia said without women playing equal roles as men, there would be no democracy and gender equality as specified in the constitution.
“We are going to lobby support for Prime Minister O’Neill to succeed with the  proposed idea and have fair male and female representation to provide the balance in Parliament,” she said.