Women networks need to function properly, says UN

A society will not enjoy human rights, peace, sustainable and inclusive development if women are excluded in the decision making, United Nation Women says.
Country representative Themba Kalua said it was evident around the world of such society.
“We need women network like this to be functioning properly so that the women can play their rightful role in contributing to the social economic development of this country, addressing some of these challengers that the women of Papua New Guinea are facing.
Kalua said though the media promoted women’s roles, a number of reports showed that women were not given the space to exercise their roles.
“The United Nation Women organisation is dedicated to promote and empower women’s leadership and create opportunity for them to exercise their roles.
He said partners should work together to promote gender equality and women empowerment and ensure women and girls could live a life free from violence and play their rightful role in the socio-economic development of this country.
National Capital District Council of Women (NCW) president Maria Andrew said many times women were left out on decision making but they continued to play their roles with passion.
“If we create a project or start up something and seek assistance we are overlooked or not considered, we struggle on our own,” she said.
Andrew said a budget should be set for women leaders so they (NCW) could improve their roles in terms of programme, activities and trainings towards striving for the change.