Unite, but never compromise principles, women told
03rd July, 2014
(Photo Credit: femLINK Pacific)
It is important for women to stand together (in parliament), but one thing you should never compromise are your basic principles, former Papua New Guinea MP, Dame Carol Kidu, told participants on day two of the Fiji Women’s Forum Candidate Capacity Strengthening Workshop in Suva today. She told participants there was a need to draw out the implementation role of women including in traditional society.
She told participants there was a need to draw out the implementation role of women including in traditional society. “We need women, youth and minorities in leadership and there is a need for training and building young leaders for the future as well as succession planning.” Politics and decision making need to make a difference for the most vulnerable – the babies, mothers and the disabled.
“Women can (also) diffuse volatile male politics,” said Kidu explaining how she assumed the role of the Leader of Opposition in PNG. She said it was important for women to stand united especially when the future of women in politics is in the hands of male dominated parliament. “This whole concept of good governance is a combination of good leadership and good management.” Kidu further said politicians in the Pacific need to find the balance between being leaders and managers. She told participants, finding the nexus between culture, faith and government is another space where women have to negotiate.
A teacher for 20 years, she reminded participants to be analytical saying that what they say may not be what they hear. The workshop, featuring 21 women, resumes tomorrow at the Holiday Inn in Suva with representatives of political parties and civil society from the FijiLabour Party, National Federation Party, People’s Democratic Party, SODELPA as well as the Be the Change campaign – candidates and campaign support teams members.
Source: FijiLive