by Allanah Leahy – EM TV Online
City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) Group’s #PrideOfPNG Awards for Women (2015) honours the extraordinary efforts of the everyday Papua New Guinean woman.
Speaking at the launch for new nominees in a ceremony at Waigani Central, CPL CEO, Ravi Singh, said these awards are meant to honour the remarkable women and their effort in advancing their communities.
The awards provide them a platform to inspire and find strength to thrive. There are six categories awarding women in the fields of education, environment and courage, among others.
Guests at today’s event included Grand Chief Sir Michael Ogio, CPL CEO Mr Ravi Singh and the Ela United Women’s Ministry.
Janet Waki, a recipient of CPL Group’s Pride of PNG Awards for Women last year, is a cancer survivor that sees many babies in her work, and suffering. For this reason, she went out of her way to start a foundation, as she personally experienced the pain and difficulty cancer brings.
She said it is heartbreaking to see cancer patients with no access to important services, surgeries and medication, and encouraged people to use the Internet to help educate on sicknesses.
Waki thanked CPL for doing a wonderful job. She said they are just little women trying to change the community but CPL is making their presence known.
Monica Paulus, who spoke at the nominee launch today, won the bravery and courage category in CPL Group’s Pride of PNG Awards for Women last year. Her award made her known to the public, supporting her profile. In her line of work, Paulus said there is no government support – only from NGOs.
She said there is minimal communal assistance in repatriating, feeding or housing victims of violence and sorcery in her province. Paulus said her award amplified her work and gave her the strength she did not receive from her government.
A rapid response is needed for her work, she said, but government assistance is often too slow, involving too much paper work unsuited to her cause. Paulus has saved 15 women with their help.
Nominate your hero at any CPL outlet in the nation before August 31st.
