Progress in the Pacific region to advance gender equality remains unacceptably the lowest in the world, says Secretary General for Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Dame Meg Taylor.
Papua New Guinea for the first time does not have any female representative in the 10th parliament.
A disappointed Dame Meg said only Tuvalu, Samoa and now New Zealand have women in parliament.
Samoa has had women’s seats reserved that helps in women participating in politics and decision making.
Recently the World Economic Forum predicted that it will take at least six generations to fully address gender equality.
“We can’t wait six generations…We need to make an effort so that our daughters, our nieces, our granddaughters can reach their full potential so they can contribute to the development of our country.
Dame Meg she said these when addressing participants of the PNG Judicial Women’s Association who converged in Port Moresby today to celebrate International Women’s day.
The Association, is made up of lawyers, magistrates, judges, police officers, and other agencies in the law and justice sector.
They gathered in Port Moresby to promote networking and be informed of Global and national approaches to equality in empowering Human Rights.
In her role as Secretary General, she said she has been given the opportunity to address the issue from across the pacific.
“It is no secret that our cultures, in decision making do not include women,” she said.
Picture: Dame Meg Taylor addressing women from the PNG Judicial Women’s Association.