Deputy Speaker proud of women in Practice Parliament program

Female candidates from across Papua New Guinea participated in a National Practice Parliament for women program from March 7 to 13 March.

Deputy Speaker, John Simon welcomed all 45 women intending to run as candidates in the upcoming 2017 National Elections took to the State Function room to participate in a mock session.

The women spent the last week under taking training and skills development on both policy and parliamentary issues ending the training by standing up in a parliamentary setting, debating public policies and legislation for the first time in the history of the National Parliament.

 “I am proud of you all for your commitment over the last week on learning about parliamentary procedure and developing your skills to debate in this Chamber. It is important that women’s voices are heard in public life,” says Deputy Speaker, Simon.

Upon the opening of the session, he told female candidates that it was important that they understand that if ever they join this House, they will have a constitutional duty to uphold the laws of the country, to protect the human rights of the people of our national and act ethically, honestly and in the interest of the nation.

“It is a serious responsibility to be elected to serve the people of your electorate and to serve the national interest.”

The first session of the day was a Practice Question Time during which the women posed policy questions to mock Ministers on issues such as youth development, small and medium sized enterprises policy, social security, police brutality, education and health services.

This was followed later on in the afternoon as the women debated on a Mock Bill on Gun Control, based on recommendations from the 2005 National Gun Control Committee.

The historic first- ever Practice Parliament Session for Women is run by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in coordination with Office of Registry for Political Parties, the National Parliament and Department of Community Development and Religion.

Author: 
Annette Kora