Ruth Monique Wazob

I am planning to run for the seat of Moresby North-West in the 2027 National General Election. At this stage, I am still deciding whether I will seek the endorsement of a political party.

Policy priorities if elected

• Women’s Empowerment & Gender Equality – Ensure women’s voices are heard in governance at both local and national levels
• Water & Sanitation Access – Improve basic services in settlements like Vaivaitarego and across Port Moresby.
• Youth Financial Literacy & Opportunities – Teach young people to save, invest, and make informed financial decisions, alongside education and employment pathways.
• Health & Community Wellbeing – Support affordable, accessible health services for families and communities.
• Good Governance & Transparency – Promote accountable, ethical leadership in government.

Family and Political Heritage
Ruth Monique Wazob is the daughter of the late Nelson Wazob Nimolen, the first Wampar man to contest national elections. He stood for the Huon Gulf Open Electorate in 1972, placing third with 1,373 votes, at a critical moment in Papua New Guinea’s pre-independence political history.

In 1978, Nelson Wazob Nimolen also served as a member of the Morobe Interim Provincial Government, contributing to early provincial governance during PNG’s formative years.

Fifty years later, in 2022, Ruth contested the same Huon Gulf Open Electorate, continuing a family legacy of political participation and public service.

Ruth is also the grand-niece of Mrs Enny Moaitz (née Ferea), former Morobe Provincial Premier and the first and only woman to lead a province in Papua New Guinea. Mrs Moaitz was introduced to politics in 1978 through Ruth’s father, Nelson Wazob Nimolen. Their shared commitment to leadership and service reflects a strong intergenerational tradition of women and men contributing to nation-building.

Political Journey
Ruth first entered politics at the Local Level Government elections in 2013. Through this experience, she became increasingly aware that women’s voices were not adequately represented or heard, particularly in decision-making spaces that affect communities at scale.

This conviction led her to contest at the national level in the 2022 National General Election, motivated by a desire to advocate for stronger representation of women, families, and marginalised communities, and to influence policy discussions at the highest level.

Ongoing Engagement
Ruth continues to engage in political dialogue, leadership development, and advocacy for women’s participation in politics. She uses platforms such as Pacific Women in Politics to share her journey, connect with regional networks, and contribute to conversations on inclusive leadership in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.

Candidate Ruth Monique Wazob with Mrs Enny Moaitz (UN Women workshop 2021).