Women march for change

MORE than 100 women from Hisiu village, Central, staged a peace march on Saturday to protest disorderly behaviour in the community.
Donned in the colours of their respective church groups, the women started the procession at 5am.
There were stops made at various locations in the village where prayers were offered for the restoration of peace for the good of the village before they continued.
The march ended at the heart of the village where they gathered to present a petition to leaders.
The petition included a request for a curfew during the festive period, for every villager to take a step in ensuring that the village was a safe place to live, and the writing and implementation of rules which should be applicable to all.
The event was graced by LLG president, village paramount chief and Kairuku-Hiri MP Paru Aihi.
Aihi said apart from the curfew, most of the petition was administrative matters.
He said there was a need for the members of ward to meet to discuss the issues raised before the result could be brought to police.
Paramount chief Arua Oa called for the restoration of respect.
He compared the current chief system to the past practices where leaders were respected by the younger generation, which was not the case today.  
Oa assured the women that the issues presented would be taken into account.
Women’s representative Joan Aihi lauded the women’s effort, adding that the “answers are in the church”.
She said there was a break down in family values and the onus went back to parents to correct their children “with love”.