WOMEN’S NETWORK ASSOCIATION PLAYS PIVOTAL ROLE IN ADVANCING THE WOMEN AND GIRLS OF PNG

BY Lethisa KOLOKOL
THE Advancing PNG: Women Leaders’ Network (APNG WLN) is playing a significant role in the country, providing a platform for one of the marginalised groups in the country, women and girls to emerge.

In their recent appearance this week on the Nasfund FM100 talkback show with host Mr Culligan Tanda, representatives from the APNG WLN women’s association gave a brief background on the group and the opportunities they are providing for women leaders in the country.

APNG WLN, Data and Communications Officer, Carole Cholai said the association is an alumni of the women that have taken part in the annual global women in management program provided by plan international USA funded by Exxon Mobil.

She said the Advancing PNG Women’s Network recognises leaders not only in the corporate level but also leaders from grassroot communities who are playing significant roles in helping the women and girls in their communities.
Programs officer, Kore Tau said the group has 66 members and 34 financial members.

She adds that the members in the network are spearheading their own groups in their local communities in 16 provinces.

With the theme “your dream is my dream”, the association has been engaging women leaders in various community initiatives that range from socio economic, capacity building, religion, health, advocacy and awareness, micro-credit schemes or engaged in small business.

The association has been providing the space for emerging women leaders with the platform to come together, discuss issues that affect them and to come up with possible solutions to address them.

Ms Tau said the association recently opened a provincial hub for community collaboration and information in Pimaga station, in Southern Highlands Province.

All Community Based Organisations (CBO) and interested individuals in the province and region are advised to converge at the Provincial hub and share information.

Notably, the group has also been engaging leaders that are of special needs or those that haven’t gone through the formal education system, highlighting the association pivotal role in advancing women and girls in the country.