Promoting a message of gender equality
Empowering community government members and promoting gender equality are some of the outcomes of the five day Women’s Unification Conference held in Monoitu, Siwai province. Bringing together community leaders from the four southern provinces of Torokina, Siwai, Buin and Bana, participants had a chance to learn about their new roles within Community Government and how to ensure equal representation for both men and women.
Bougainville is traditionally a matrilineal society with women often holding power behind the scenes. But with the new 50/50 measure in the 2016 Community Government Act, women throughout Bougainville are stepping into a more visible leadership position.
Agnes Nara, ward member for Koro says “women deserve to be on equal footing with men, whether it be in the administration or in government…because we are a matrilineal society. We are mothers of the land.”
Women spoke of the challenges of they faced entering into leadership positions and the sacrifices they had to make. Bernadette Neras said that although she was the only woman in the former Council of Elders, she gained respect from the other male members. Many of the women in attendance said they were happy at the number of men who also attended the conference and that this reflected the new equality measures.
On the final day of the conference, participants were able to take part in an informative and interactive workshop that had them learn more about gender, gender equality and how roles and responsibilities have changed over time. Presenter Joel Tukana compared gender equality to a balanced outrigger canoe and that it was not just a women’s issue but something that encompassed everyone.
Rachael Tsein, newly elected President of the Bougainville Women’s Federation (BWF), highlighted the objective of the BWF which is to empower women to become ‘agents of change’ and equal partners in all levels of decision making. After the presentation the women had the opportunity to nominate a female representative for the Bougainville Referendum Commission. Rose Pihei, former president of the BWF and the women’s representative for Southern Bougainville 2010-2015 was elected by 21 votes to 11.
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