WHEN WILL MOTHERS IN NIP BENEFIT?

BY FRANKIY KAPIN in Kavieng

SO the saying ‘ino rong yet’ (it’s still ok) typically synonymous to New Ireland province yet behind the slang lies the definition of the pain of women struggling to perform the motherly responsibilities.

New Ireland Provincial Council of Women President Ruthy Watlen remarked as the by election for a new provincial leader is underway in the province.

“Speaking from my heart, my appeal to the up coming Governor is to get into office and look at our issues as mothers, from markets to subsistence living and SME ventures as well the welfare of our children and their future.

My appeal to the up coming governor is, what can you do for women in New Ireland,” Mrs Watlen asked.

She said women in the province need to be up skilled at all levels to participate in developments yet as the provincial women representative she is operating without an office and unable to effectively address women needs in the province.

Mrs Watlen pointed out that women are faithful voters in this province but where are the services reaching them right down to the village level.

“When will we get the desired or basic government services to avoid boat mishaps travelling the seas because there is no proper small ships.

Mothers are risking their lives travelling on banana boats and when will the government provide troller boats.
We host a world classed gold mine yet import food from outside giving no opportunities to our mothers to sell their garden produce to Simberi and Lihir mines,” Mrs Watlen said.

She further questioned, “How soon will our leaders take to address the struggles of women in New Ireland soon after they assume the political seat.”

Mrs Watlen indicated that schools in province are run down while mothers face alot of hardships trying to make ends meet like selling in an open space under-developed market facility over the years.

She said women voting today brings out a new leader tomorrow, yet their markets, health facilities and schools is unbearable for mothers and their children.

She said having cast her vote reminds her of women in remote Murat and Lavongai down to Matalai, Konoagil, Nimamar and Tanir LLG with 50 years come and gone while they continue to elect leaders into another 50 years going forward yet the question beckoning is when exactly the women folk and mothers see and truly benefit from their votes.

“The expectations from our votes casted many are times is overlooked,” Mrs Watlen highlighted.