A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the United Nation (UN) Women and the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance (PILAG) to establish the first Political Leadership Academy for Women in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The partnership is being established under UN Women’s Women Make the Change programme, which focuses on supporting and promoting women’s political participation and leadership in the country and will be implemented with support from the Government of Australia and the Government of New Zealand.
The Political Leadership Academy for Women will work closely with a small cohort of women in each cycle to provide those who are already in subnational political positions with training, skills building, mentorship and learning exchange opportunities.
According to Caroline Nyamayemombe, UN Women Deputy Country Representative, the new partnership is expected to contribute to a growing pool of qualified and capable women political leaders in the country.
“We are excited to be part of this partnership. We look forward to working closely with the Pacific Institute for Leadership and Governance to ensure that female politicians in PNG are well-equipped to advance their careers from the local, district and provincial levels to the national stage,” Ms Nyameyemombe said.
Since independence in 1975, PNG has had only seven women elected into the National Parliament, in comparison to approximately 800 men. Nyamayemombe attributed this disparity to gender stereotypes that discriminate against women and girls.
“It is our duty as UN Women to ensure women have every opportunity to fully participate in whatever capacity or role they desire,” she added.