Women taught how to stage poll campaigns

By SHIRLYN BELDEN
WOMEN planning to contest the national election have been advised to recognise their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats if they are to successfully conduct campaign strategies.
The message was relayed at a women candidate training conducted in Port Moresby by the Australian National University’s centre for democratic institutions.
The workshop was told that intending candidates must identify and understand these aspects to effectively implement their election campaign strategies and improve their chances of being elected.
Acting executive director of the Office for Women Development Brian Nakrakundi said the workshop which started yesterday was divided into three sessions.
The Highlands and New Guinea Islands regions are next followed by Momase and Southern regions.
About 15 participants and campaign managers yesterday discussed ways to improve their strategy in carrying out their campaigns. 
The training is focused on women candidates, most of whom are contesting the national election for the first time.
Three workshops had already been conducted in Alotau, Mt Hagen and Lae.
Facilitators Dr Norm Kelly and Linda Reynolds will be assisted by guest speakers including Opposition leader Dame Carol Kidu, acting registrar for political parties and candidates commission Dr Alphonse Gelu, community women leaders and former women candidates.