Women continue to be dramatically underrepresented in decision-making positions in Papua New Guinea (PNG). It is necessary to ensure full and equal representation and participation of women in the decision-making processes to address social and economic issues in an integrated way. It is also imperative to have a State consistent program with a budgetary allocation for effective implementation and monitoring mechanisms on women’s political empowerment.

Women's participation in political processes is crucial for reaching Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); States and donors must remember their commitments to gender equality. They must also remember the findings of the Global Monitoring Report of the World Bank and the Gender Gap Report of the World Economic Forum, which demonstrates that countries score high on competitiveness, also enjoy high levels of gender equality.

The PNG government committed itself in Beijing Platform of Action (BPFA), under Article 190 “To establishing the goal of gender balance in governmental bodies and committees, as well as in public administrative entities, and in the judiciary, including, inter alia, setting specific targets and implementing measures to substantially increase the number of women with a view to achieving equal representation of women and men, if necessary through positive action, in all governmental and public administration positions”.

 

In May 2010, as a result of the tireless efforts of PNG women, the PNG government tabled the Bill as a Notice, once again proposing 22 seats reserved for women in the Parliament. This Bill will be put up for debate and voting in July 2010. The constitutional amendment will ensure close to 20% seats reserved for women.

 

1. Implement special measures to increase the level of women’s representation to at least 33% in parliaments, national and local governments, parliamentary standing committees and political parties.