PNG: Women making their mark in the political arena
11th April, 2017
Sir Michael Somare and Lady Veronica Somare.
PORT MORESBY, 11 APRIL 2017 (POST COURIER) — Papua New Guinea men’s mentality of “women don’t belong in politics” has changed, and women are making their mark in the country’s politics, Sir Michael Somare said.
He was responding to questions raised during the NBC Press Club interview in Port Moresby.
Sir Michael said that PNG was changing and women were now making mark in the political arena and are being recognised for their efforts.
“I think today, women can run for politics – Sohe, EHP and all the other local government have women,” he said.
“Male dominated, male chauvinist if you want, but they are not, in our society we have a men’s house and we have a women’s house of strength of a women and strength of a men. But in places like our province, women can now have support from men.
“Men are beginning to see that there is a potential in women, and they respect the women that way. So I think the Papua New Guinea old custom of “Em haus man or em haus blo mipla tasol ol man,” should be done away with, times have changed.
“Men are now working with women to do everything in a society. And I think it will work, and the women candidates next time around, there will be enough women candidates.
“Already there are talks, meetings have been held, people are talking about it now, so I don’t see any problems women running in elections,” said Sir Michael.
(Source: PACNEWS)