PNG MP Loujaya Toni with draft copy of the new Country Gender Assessment

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13th November, 2012

PAPUA New Guinea will soon have an evidence-based report on gender assessment.  The Country Gender Assessment (CGA) is about identifying gender development, its challenges whilst encompassing the national constitution and enabling laws and policies that speak about gender and addressing them head on.  The 2011-2012 document when completed will have statistically hard evidence that will be available for the government and stakeholders including development partners.

WORLD Bank PNG Country Manager Laura Bailey and CGA facilitator when introducing the document said the final document should not be left on the shelf to collect dust, but should be readily available for budget allocation, development partners and civil society.  Summary findings were also presented by various panelists from the Departments of Education and Health and HIV AIDS.  The World Bank also presented findings on the government strategies, employment and livelihood.

The legal, social empowerment, political voice and participation aspect of the assessment was also discussed by UN Women.  Ume Wainetti from the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council shared insights to gender-based violence.  All summary findings are part of the assessment that will be designed after the final two days meeting here in Port Moresby.  The meeting started yesterday and ends today.

A snap shot of economic activity in the CGA especially in the agriculture sector states there is inefficient use of labour resources amongst gender.  Women farmers do not receive the level of training and extension support they need to contribute fully to the agri-economy.

Women running cottage industries including those involvd in trading acts are more disadvantages by men in terms of unsafe markets and poor transport infrastructures.

There are stubborn differences in the formal labour force participation, in the range of occupation and in paid jobs. According to a survey, there has not been any change to this situation in the last 16 years.  More household work are done by females than males and women and girls manage time more than men and boys.  Minister for Religion, Youth and Community Development Loujaya Toni was presented a draft copy of the assessment.  When receiving the report she acknowledged the involvement of all partners and stakeholders that have contributed towards the report.  Minister Toni gave her assurance that the government is committed to gender equality and development.

She said the department ensures the there are mechanisms available for the development budget to translate to districts and to where it is due.  THE UNDP was also present at the validation as partners in the development towards equality and women empowerment.

By Nellie Stepenao for the Post Courier

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