By Theckla Gunga – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The women population in Papua New Guinea celebrates both the International and National Women’s Day in the month of March. Though the days fall on different dates, the same message that is emphasised on the International Women’s Day is carried on to the National Women’s Day.
It is not every day that the work of women both at home or in the work place are acknowledged by the male population. These days are dedicated to appreciating the roles of women in the Papua New Guinea society. But it is on special occasions like the National Women’s Day or Mother’s Day that people turn to acknowledge the role of a mother, a wife or a daughter.
At the Flexible Open Distance Education Centre in Port Moresby, the students gathered with their teachers to celebrate the National Women’s Day – a day dedicated to all women in the country.
The practice of celebrating certain Days in acknowledging the female population in PNG is only becoming popular in the turn of this century.
More business houses and NGOs are forming groups that encourage women participation in leadership and business roles. Through such awareness, more women and girls are going to school and given the chance to be part of the workforce. These established groups also play an important role by focusing on minimising high reported rates of violence against women and girls.
