The International Women’s Day breakfast was hosted for the third time this year by the Business and Professional Women (BPW) in Port Moresby.
These events allow for networking but more importantly, to reflect on the progress of the women population in the country.
This morning saw working women and a few men in support of gender equality gather at Gateway by 7am, and speeches delivered to capture the theme ‘Press for Progress’.
Between the speeches, the outstanding point was involving more women in decision-making.
According to the 2017 Gender Gap Report of the World Economic Forum, achieving gender parity is over 200 years away, which is over 6 generations away.
Keynote speaker Dame Meg Taylor expressed disappointment that in the recent elections in Papua New Guinea, no woman was elected even though there was a record number of women contesting the elections.
But in the region, she says there has been significant gains over the years.
Dame Meg said this year’s theme was a clear call for action and focus in progressing gender equality.
The breakfast this morning was a reminder and empowerment for women to stand with the theme and press for progress; bridge this gap.
This was represented in a candle lighting ceremony.