More than 150 individuals gathered in Port Moresby on December 3-4 for the National Forum on Women’s Political Leadership, which included representatives from political parties, government officials, civil society leaders, and aspiring women candidates. The event, organized under the Women Make the Change initiative and funded by the Australian Government, aimed to pave the way for increased political participation by women ahead of the 2027 national elections in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
This two-day forum was conducted in collaboration with the PNG Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC), the Department for Community Development and Religion, UN Women, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It focused on the essential role of political parties in enabling women’s participation and leadership in political processes.
Elizabeth LeBas, Minister Counsellor at the Australian High Commission, highlighted the importance of women’s representation in decision-making roles, stating that societies become more prosperous, stable, and resilient when women and girls have a seat at the table. She reiterated Australia’s commitment to supporting PNG in its efforts for women’s political empowerment.
Despite an increase in the number of female candidates, women remain significantly marginalized in PNG’s political landscape, with only three women in the 118-member National Parliament, equating to a mere 2.5 percent representation. Barriers such as limited campaign funding, lack of party endorsements, and inadequate media coverage continue to challenge the success of female candidates.
UN Women Country Representative Peterson Magoola emphasized the opportunity for PNG to foster a more inclusive democracy as more women step forward. He urged political parties to champion this transformation, while UN Women remains committed to ensuring that women are not only participants but also influential leaders in the political arena.
Interactive sessions during the Forum provided a platform for emerging women leaders to share insights, alongside regional dialogues with Pacific Island leaders who participated virtually. These discussions shed light on shared challenges and strategies for enhancing gender equality in political representation throughout the region.
Sabeth Yengis, President of the National Council of Women, stressed the significance of women’s networks and coalitions in mobilizing voters and advocating for elections that prioritize women’s issues.
UNDP Resident Representative Nicholas Booth acknowledged the existing hurdles to women’s political representation in PNG but expressed optimism for the future. He pointed to the establishment of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, as well as the Joint Parliamentary Women’s Caucus, as critical steps in promoting equal representation.
Forum discussions included reflections on the lessons from the 2022 elections, emphasizing the necessity of political parties supporting capable female candidates and addressing outdated electoral laws. Key recommendations called for proactive measures to support women candidates early in their journeys, holding parties accountable, and encouraging nominations of multiple women in each electorate to boost their prospects.
The closing session, featuring National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, underscored the importance of developing mentoring frameworks, establishing a national database of emerging women leaders, and enhancing cooperation on election reform.
Emmanuel Pok, Registrar of IPPCC, highlighted the importance of aspiring women candidates actively engaging with political parties to foster inclusivity in the electoral process.
As Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th year of independence in 2025, the Forum conveyed a potent message about inclusive leadership being a fundamental democratic requirement. The unwavering commitment to advancing women’s political representation promises a more equitable society that can benefit all citizens.