In a highly competitive process, participants from 22 provinces were selected from over 200 applicants and will be trained on critical national policy issues, parliamentary processes and campaign strategies from 6 to 13 March 2017 in Port Moresby.
With only three female MPs out of 111 in Papua New Guinea’s current parliament, women continue to be under-represented as political leaders and elected officials.
Highly qualified candidates from doctors to village women and females from other sectors of the community applied for PNG Practice Parliament for Women training, highlighting just how many women are keen to represent PNG and be active in political life.
The program aims to empower intending candidates to prepare themselves in the lead up to upcoming national elections in April 2017.
The program, organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in coordination with Office of Integrity of Political Parties, The National Parliament and Department of Community Development and Religion, will culminate with a practice session in the PNG National Parliament chamber on 13 March.
The UNDP PNG acting resident representative, Ms. Tracy Vienings, said: "UNDP is very proud to be supporting the Practice Parliament for the second time in Papua New Guinea. We believe it is important to ensure that PNG women have the opportunity and ability to actively participate in politics.
“This training will develop women candidates’ skills not only in campaigning for elections, but also in engaging with policy issues that are critical to PNG's future. That is the role of an MP, and we want to help women prepare to become elected representatives."
The 50 participants were selected by a screening committee, and were also cross-checked with the Electoral Commission to ensure each participant filled in a Form 29 to contest the 2017 elections.
The final list of participants is available below and on the Facebook page: “PNG Practice Parliament for Women 2017.
UNDP acknowledges the generosity of support from the New Zealand Government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade) and the Italian Government for the PNG Practice Parliament Session for Women 2017. It is also thankful to Gateway Hotel and Air Niugini, for their official sponsorship.
List of final selected participants for Practice Parliament session for Women 2017
1 Fredah Wantum, Telefomin District
2 Lynn Genai Aina , Kundiawa Gembogl Open
3 Rowena Peter, Central Province
4 Lucy Kikkii Buck, LM Madang Open
5 Josephine Toure Mandawe, Usino Bundi Open
6 Fiona Baim Veisame, Nawaeb Open
7 Lesley Bennet, Finsahfen Open
8 Gima Kepi, Rigo Open
9 Mary Maima, Chimbu Regional
10 Gloria Terikien, Central Bougainville
11 Samantha C Jane Sipo, Ijivitari Open
12 Mary Yalingu Kamang, Madang Regional
13 Martha Kaia Manggal, Gulf Regional
14 Joanne Bonggere Tawi, Kundiawa Gembogl Open
15 Edrica Kega Sama, Middle Fly Open
16 Mary Jossy Ken, Komo Margarima Open
17 Emma Numbuk, Wosera Gawi Open
18 Leah Angowai, Koroba Kopiago
19 Hilda H Polume, Manus Regional Seat
20 Veronica Jiyede, New Ireland Regional
21 Kessy Sawang, Rai Coast Open
22 Salasa Moses, Obura Wonenara Open
23 Rachel Yangu, Southern Highlands Regional
24 Lucy Siki Aiya, Kavieng Open
25 Inabe Ombongu, Middle Ramu Open
26 Elizabeth Matit, Western Regional
27 Dulcie Somare, East Sepik Regional
28 Gillian Torie, Milne Bay Regional
29 Grace Hiris Samuel, Manus Open
30 Angela Mandie- Filer, POM North East
31 Shelley Launa, Moresby North East
32 Susanah Apopo, Kikori Open
33 Lillian Siwi, Eastern Highlands Regional
34 Susan Apa, Gumine Open
35 Veronica Simongun, Wewak Open
36 Lanieth Aua, ENB Provincial
37 Julienne Leka Maliaki , Rigo Open
38 Veronica Waieng, North Waghi Open
40 Betty Komes, Manus Regional Seat
41 Florence Saki, West Sepik Regional
42 Dr. Kapa Kelep Malp, Kavieng Open
43 Martha Goroa Betute, Sohe Open
44 Carol Mayo, Vanimo Green Open
45 Kilaua H Lovati Moviak, Gulf Regional
46 Ume Wainetti, South Fly Electorate
47 Dr. Susanna Andrias Khobu, Goroka Open
48 Linda Yombon, Kompiam Ambung Open
49 Monalisa Lendia Saragum, Samarai Murua Open
50 Joan Sonie Good Enough