UN is preparing women to contest upcoming elections in Bougainville
Buka - Port Moresby, 18 March 2015 - The UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Papua New Guinea organized a three-day workshop for women seeking to contest the upcoming 2015 General Elections in Bougainville.
Over 25 women candidates and their respective campaign managers bringing the total number of participants to 50, representing different districts of Bougainville, participated in the training. The workshop focused on providing information on legal and institutional framework of the elections, articulating specific constrains and opportunities.
Women running for elections are at a more disadvantaged position compared to men. Women generally have lower educational qualifications, are often confined to ‘traditional roles’ of primarily looking after their families, face problems with access to campaigning resources and outreach to the community, as well issues having to struggle for violence-free access to polling.
To address the issue, UN is supporting the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) in conducting the upcoming elections through “Support of the 2015 Bougainville General Elections” initiative.
During the workshop, women were provided information on relevant advocacy and lobbying tools useful in election campaigns. The training also provided an opportunity of networking among the candidates to share their experiences. Moreover, policy analysis and gender equality were also among the topics discussed during the workshop.
Acting Electoral Commissioner of Bougainville, George Manu encouraged participants to contest not only the three regional seats for women, but also the constituency seats in the elections.
“I have a passion for empowering women and youth so that they are able to look after themselves better in their communities. The training was an eye opener and very timely. It helped me to refine my campaign strategies in preparation for the elections. I intend to support the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and make sure that people in my constituency are well informed, on what is in the agreement” said Rita Pearson, who intends to contest in the Tinputz District.
“We hope that this training will help Bougainville move towards a long-standing peace based on a democratic process, and will enable the people of Bougainville to build a better future. As UN team, we are committed to support the ABG and the people of Bougainville to prepare for election day and to hold credible, transparent and inclusive elections” – said Mr. Roy Trivedy, UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative.
The new initiative launched in March 2015 is a follow-up to the request from the Government of PNG and the Autonomous Bougainville Government for UN-backed electoral support to the general elections in Bougainville scheduled to take place in May-June 2015.
Over 25 women candidates and their respective campaign managers bringing the total number of participants to 50, representing different districts of Bougainville, participated in the training. The workshop focused on providing information on legal and institutional framework of the elections, articulating specific constrains and opportunities.
Women running for elections are at a more disadvantaged position compared to men. Women generally have lower educational qualifications, are often confined to ‘traditional roles’ of primarily looking after their families, face problems with access to campaigning resources and outreach to the community, as well issues having to struggle for violence-free access to polling.
To address the issue, UN is supporting the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) in conducting the upcoming elections through “Support of the 2015 Bougainville General Elections” initiative.
During the workshop, women were provided information on relevant advocacy and lobbying tools useful in election campaigns. The training also provided an opportunity of networking among the candidates to share their experiences. Moreover, policy analysis and gender equality were also among the topics discussed during the workshop.
Acting Electoral Commissioner of Bougainville, George Manu encouraged participants to contest not only the three regional seats for women, but also the constituency seats in the elections.
“I have a passion for empowering women and youth so that they are able to look after themselves better in their communities. The training was an eye opener and very timely. It helped me to refine my campaign strategies in preparation for the elections. I intend to support the implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement and make sure that people in my constituency are well informed, on what is in the agreement” said Rita Pearson, who intends to contest in the Tinputz District.
“We hope that this training will help Bougainville move towards a long-standing peace based on a democratic process, and will enable the people of Bougainville to build a better future. As UN team, we are committed to support the ABG and the people of Bougainville to prepare for election day and to hold credible, transparent and inclusive elections” – said Mr. Roy Trivedy, UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative.
The new initiative launched in March 2015 is a follow-up to the request from the Government of PNG and the Autonomous Bougainville Government for UN-backed electoral support to the general elections in Bougainville scheduled to take place in May-June 2015.
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