PNG: Women Pressure Parliament to Pass Equality Bill

In Papua New Guinea (PNG)l, women in Port Moresby are stepping up pressure on members of parliament to pass the Equality and Participation Bill, which will create 22 reserved seats for women.

Professional women and women in business have teamed up with Women in Politics to pressure members into passing the Bill next Tuesday when Parliament resumes.

In a meeting last Sunday in Port Moresby, a working group which included professional women like scientists, doctors, nurses, accountants, lawyers, teachers, housewives and students was formed to drum up support for the Bill.

The fight is being initiated and pushed for by grassroots women and the National Council of Women and its affiliates.

Most speakers at the meeting supported the Bill, saying it would change the political landscape and give women their rightful place in society.

During the next few days leading to the Parliament resuming next week, the women plan meetings to pressure MPs to vote and pass the Bill.

Unions and women's groups will be engaged to give their support to the women to have the Bill passed in time for the 2012 general election.

"Moresby South and only female parliamentarian Dame Carol Kidu's statement that this was the last chance for the Bill to be passed has not been taken lightly," NCW president Schola Kakas said.

"Women in the workforce and private sector who have been silent have expressed support."

Another meeting was scheduled for last night where members of the working group were to finalise strategies for the next few days.

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