Women shine in Logohu awards

MORE than 20 women have been recognised for their distinguished services to the communities in the country in various capacities in both the public and the private sector.
The women, among more than 100 recipients of the annual Order of the Papua New Guinea Logohu award, expressed their gratitude to the Government for recognising them and their contribution to their communities at the Government House during the investiture programme yesterday.
Prominent women’s leader from the Hela region, Matha Pai, said: “At last the Government has recognised the distinguished services the womenfolk have rendered to the respective sectors they served.
“I am humbled by the gesture.”
Mrs Pai was awarded with the meritorious community services medal for her involvement in community services including business services, advocate for preservation and protection of natural resources, advocating social justice and women’s issues.
She was one of the pioneer women in the Southern Highlands to contest the regional seat in 1987.
Mrs Pai said since then, she retuned to the community and became heavily engaged in various activities.
Other women who were invested with the Insignia of the Cross of Medical Services were Theresia Hokmori, Alice Pulupe and Elizabeth Tumbiago.
Mala Essau, Nelly Luavagi Peni, Joan Quiocho, Anne Togel and Agnes Waiut were awarded the meritorious public service medal.
Sr Rose Bernard was recognised for her service to the Catholic church and HIV/AIDS care in Western Highlands province and Sr Tarcisia Margarete Humhoff for services to the
Catholic church in Wewak and HIV/AIDS work.
Chief Insp Miriam Yawa and Snr Inspector Sylvia Reu were invested with the Insignia of Distinguished Police Service medal, while Margaret Kawabata recognised with the National Logohu medal for supporting women development.