Women's Participation in Governance Workshop
CDI supported a 'Women's Participation in Governance' workshop in the Simbu Province in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea from 17 to 19 September 2003. The focus of the workshop was on women and governance, in particular their inclusion in elections and electoral processes. Issues of citizenship, democracy and the role of women in PNG were discussed and the workshop aimed to develop strategies for promoting women's involvement in electoral processes. Local non-government organisation, Meri Kerap, conducted the workshop in association with the Asia Pacific Bureau for Adult Education (ASPBAE). Ms. Sarah Garap, Coordinator of Meri Karap, was well placed to facilitate the training as she has run for parliament in the Simbu Province and experienced first hand the intimidation tactics and vested interests of male candidates. Thirty participants from the province attended the workshop which included women who have been involved in running for public office positions as well as women and men who have supported women in running for such positions and who remain active in promoting education on citizenship and governance issues. The workshop saw the broad representation of most key women's organisations in the province.
During the workshop, video footage was taken by Ms. Robyn Slarke, a video producer from Perth with first hand experience in PNG particularly in the Highlands. This will become the basis for a documentary which also includes footage of interviews and of women in action on the campaign trail in the Highlands. This documentary will be used as educational material for communities, in particular women candidates running for elections in the Highlands. This video will be available soon.
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| Three founding members of Meri Kirap, Diana Ulke, (left) Anna Gollang (3rd right) and Sarah Garap (right) with Mr Kunda, a Provincial Council Member (3rd left) and ASPBAE staff Molly Daure (2nd left) and Bernie Lovegrove (centre) | The workshop participants joined by a number of other provincial women interested in the workshop |
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| Animated small group work | A former District Councillor reporting back from a small group discussion |
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Robyn
Slarke, Video Producer, Sarah Garap, ASPBAE PNG National Project
Officer and Felicity Pascoe Executive Officer CDI
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Report
pdf | rtf
ASPBAE
ASPBAE's
full workshop report pdf
l rtf
