A workshop aimed at grounding the 2013 National Council of Women Act is currently underway in Port Moresby.
The event is hosted by the National Council of Women, in partnership with the Department of Community Development and the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission.
The five-day consultative workshop, expected to end on Friday, is hosting discussions on the establishment of proper administrative structures, identifying inclusive NCW regulations and a five-year strategic plan.
In accordance with the theme: “Empowering and transforming NCWs at all levels”, NCW Treasurer Jane Kenni told Loop PNG that the event aims to provide basis for the women’s act.
In 2007, NCW collectively decided to review the NCW Act 1979. Although the bill was prepared in 2008, hiccups caused by the issue of reserve seats for women in parliament made it impossible for the bill to be passed.
Fortunately, the bill was finally passed as a law in 2013, where 2014 to 2016 saw the commencement of the interim period of the law.
Dr Eric Kwa, the Secretary for Constitutional and Law Reform Commission, reminded the provincial Council of Women presidents that although women leaders might have made errors in implementing the law during the interim period, he strongly urged that there should be no room for errors from the year 2017 and onwards. He considers this period to be permanent.
This workshop will also serve as a vital avenue through which the PCW presidents can present their reports on the progress of the work they have carried out in their respective provinces, in regards to the implementation process.
PCW presidents from East New Britain, New Ireland, Chimbu and the AROB are yet to arrive.
The workshop is held at the Department for Community Development Conference room, in Sambra Haus, Waigani. It is funded by the United Nations Development Program.
(Presidents of the National Council of Women during yesterday’s session.)