Women’s group’s plan focuses on empowerment

By ELIAS LARI
A WOMEN’S group in Enga recently launched its five-year plan with the aim of developing women and promoting their issues.
The Porgera resident women’s association (PRWAI) of Enga wants to empower its members to contribute effectively to their local district economy and in the process improve living standards and bolster their standing at the community level.
The launch was held on Sept 16, coinciding with the country’s 46th Independence celebrations.
Special guest and Kalang Advertising Ltd chief executive officer Yolanda Bafmatuk launched the plan.
Association president Martha Kopi Aino said the launch was also planned to coincide with the re-opening of the Porgera gold mine with Prime Minister James Marape the guest of honour, however, that did not eventuate.
Aino said the associations plan comprise six key strategic goals which were: improve governance and development of the association; empower women for economic development; encourage and strengthen partnership and networking; promote agricultural sustainability and management; promote economic development and sustainability; and, strengthen and improve the addressing of crosscutting issues.
She said these goals which were in their corporate plan (2020-2024) gave fundamental value and direction for the association to prosper and progress.
She said it would strengthen and enhance the capacity of women to provide and participate meaningfully in development.
“The key objective is to materialise the motto of the association through effective implementation, collaboration and partnership with members, relevant partners, communities and contributing to the Government plans and priorities for the development of the country,” she said.
“Empowering women and having them become part in the nation-building is the very important aspect for the nation to progress.”
Aino urged women to rise up and claim their rights and privileges which had been overlooked and ignored for years.