More than 150 participants, including representatives from political parties, government officials, civil society leaders, and aspiring women candidates, convened in Port Moresby on December 3-4 for the National Forum on Women’s Political Leadership. Organized under the Women Make the Change program, funded by the Australian Government, this two-day event aimed to strengthen visible political pathways for women ahead of the 2027 national elections in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
In collaboration with PNG’s Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC), the Department for Community Development and Religion, UN Women, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Forum focused on the crucial role political parties play in enabling women’s full participation and leadership in political processes.
Elizabeth LeBas, Minister Counsellor at the Australian High Commission, emphasized, “When women and girls are represented at the highest level of decision-making, societies are more prosperous, stable and resilient.” She reiterated Australia’s commitment to support PNG in the pursuit of women’s political empowerment.
Despite an increase in female candidates, women remain significantly underrepresented in PNG politics, with only three women currently serving in the 118-member National Parliament, amounting to just 2.5 percent. The success rate of female candidates is hindered by systemic barriers such as limited campaign funding, lack of party endorsements, and insufficient media coverage.
UN Women Country Representative Peterson Magoola pointed out that as more women step forward, Papua New Guinea has the chance to establish a more inclusive democracy. He called on political parties to take the lead in this transformation, while UN Women will continue its efforts to ensure women are not just participants but also influential leaders within the political landscape.
The Forum also showcased the perspectives of emerging women leaders through interactive sessions and regional exchanges with Pacific Island leaders who participated virtually. These discussions highlighted common challenges and strategies for advancing gender equality in political representation across the region.
Sabeth Yengis, President of the National Council of Women, noted the importance of women’s networks and coalitions in mobilizing women voters and ensuring safer elections where women’s issues are highlighted.
Nicholas Booth, UNDP Resident Representative, acknowledged the challenges PNG faces in women’s political representation but remained hopeful. He cited the establishment of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and the Joint Parliamentary Women’s Caucus as critical initiatives that support the drive towards equal representation.
The discussions at the Forum tackled the lessons learned from the 2022 elections, the need for political parties to support capable women candidates, and systemic barriers such as outdated electoral laws. Key recommendations included providing early support for women candidates, ensuring party accountability, and focusing resources on them, encouraging political parties to nominate multiple women candidates in each electorate to enhance their chances of success.
A closing session, attended by National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, emphasized the next steps, including developing improved mentoring frameworks, creating a national database of emerging women leaders, and enhancing collaboration for election reform.
Emmanuel Pok, Registrar of IPPCC, pointed out the need for aspiring women candidates to engage actively with political parties to enhance inclusivity in the electoral process.
With the country approaching its 50th year of independence in 2025, the Forum sent a powerful message: inclusive leadership is not just a democratic necessity but also essential for shaping the future of Papua New Guinea. The ongoing commitment to advancing women’s political representation holds the promise of a more equitable society that benefits all citizens.