More than 150 participants, including representatives from political parties, government officials, civil society leaders, young individuals, and aspiring women candidates, gathered in Port Moresby on December 3-4 for the National Forum on Women’s Political Leadership. This two-day event was organized under the Women Make the Change programme, funded by the Australian Government, and aimed at enhancing inclusive political pathways leading up to Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) 2027 national general elections.
The forum was held in partnership with the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC), the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR), UN Women, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the Australian Government. It focused on the crucial role of political parties and institutions in facilitating women’s participation and leadership in political processes.
Elizabeth LeBas, Minister Counsellor at the Australian High Commission, emphasized the importance of women’s representation in decision-making, stating, “When women and girls are represented at the highest level, societies are more prosperous, stable, and resilient. Australia stands side-by-side and step-by-step with PNG in support of women’s political empowerment.”
Despite these efforts, women remain significantly underrepresented in PNG politics, with only three women currently serving in the 118-member National Parliament—representing just 2.5 percent. While the number of female candidates has risen, their success rates are hindered by challenges such as limited campaign financing, insufficient party endorsements, and inadequate media visibility.
UN Women Country Representative Peterson Magoola noted the opportunity for PNG to establish a more inclusive democracy by encouraging more women to take on leadership roles, asserting that political parties play a vital role in this transformation. UN Women, alongside its partners, is committed to ensuring that women are not just participants but influential leaders in the nation’s political landscape.
The forum also featured voices from emerging women leaders, including engaging sessions with young candidates and a virtual connection with Pacific Island leaders. These discussions highlighted shared challenges and strategies for advancing gender equality in political representation across the region.
Sabeth Yengis, President of the National Council of Women, affirmed the significance of women’s networks and coalitions in mobilizing women voters and ensuring elections that prioritize women’s concerns.
Nicholas Booth, UNDP Resident Representative, acknowledged the considerable distance PNG still has to cover in terms of women’s political representation but expressed optimism about the initiatives already in place. He pointed out the establishment of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and the Joint Parliamentary Women’s Caucus as pivotal steps toward achieving greater gender parity in politics.
The discussions addressed key lessons from the 2022 elections, systemic barriers such as outdated electoral laws, and the pressing need for political parties to identify and support qualified women candidates in advance of elections. Recommendations included providing early support, enhancing party accountability, and allocating targeted resources for women candidates. A strategic suggestion was for parties to nominate multiple candidates in each electorate to improve women’s electoral success.
In a closing session attended by National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop, the emphasis was placed on actionable steps, including the development of improved mentoring frameworks, the creation of a national database for emerging women leaders, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders for election reform.
Emmanuel Pok, Registrar of IPPCC, underscored the necessity for aspiring women candidates to actively engage with political parties during the electoral process.
As PNG approaches its 50th year of independence in 2025, the forum’s message was clear: embracing inclusive leadership is not just a democratic necessity but is crucial for shaping a brighter future for the nation.
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