Work together for gender equality: O’Neill

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has highlighted the role every Papua New Guinean has to play in enhancing gender equality.

Speaking on International Women’s Day, PM O’Neill said all women and men must take heed of the theme this year of “Be Bold for Change” and work together for gender equality.

“Today, in Papua New Guinea and around the world, we give thanks for the contribution of our mothers, daughters, sisters and all women in our communities,” the Prime Minister said.

“This is a day to not only recognise the achievements that have been made in advancing the rights of women, but most importantly to make greater progress.

“We must be bold if we are to change ways of thinking and to have positive action.

“Times have changed in recent decades and years, but we are nowhere close to achieving true gender equality in our society.”

The PM said violence against women in particular is intolerable in any form.

“This is not only physical violence, but emotional abuse as well. I call on the men in our communities to be bold and to make change, to stand up for what we know is right in our hearts and to prevent abuse.”

(Loop file pic)

Author: 
Press release