On behalf of its Federation South West Pacific, Soroptimist
International Papua New Guinea has congratulated three
women MPs in their victorious battle in a male dominated political environment
to win home in the elections for their respective areas. Delilah Gore, Loujaya
Toni and Julie Soso fought furiously for their right to political participation
and have succeeded in their attempts and now have seats in Parliament.

This is groundbreaking news for PNG
in a political sphere so male dominated. Delilah expressed that this is proof
that women can get into parliament without having to have a creation of
reserved seats for women. She said that while the lack of female leaders needs
to be addressed, she is not supportive of reserved seats. Because of her
determination and fight she says she has been gaining a lot of respect from the
male parliamentarians.  SI shares her cautionary approach towards quotas.  

PNG is party to some of
the UN Conventions and Treaties, such as CEDAW. With their new responsibilities
these women MPs are now being called upon to observe their government’s legal
obligations under the framework. They bring great hope to the country and to
women and girls. Not only will they hopefully inspire more women in PNG
to follow in their footsteps in political participation, they also pave the way
for great political change.

Soroptimist International is happy to work alongside these
women and welcomes any initiatives or joint ventures offered by them that they
can work on together. Soroptimist International already has a lot of experience
within PNG including setting up the
programme ‘Birthing in the Pacific’ which looks at ways to decrease mother and
infant mortality.

Click HERE to learn more about this project.