Papua New Guinea’s proposed reserved seats for women in parliament #egender

In Papua New Guinea, parliament has begun debating a bill to reserve seats for women in parliament.

The Equality and Participation bill had been on the previous government’s agenda since 2007 but new Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has brought a change in priorities.

Last month, he recalled parliament to pass the legislation before next year’s elections.

ABC Radio Australia’s Pacific Beat Presenter Cameron Wilson recently spoke with Doctor Ray Anere from PNG’s National Research Institute in regards to the bill.

To listen to the interview, please visit the ABC Pacific Beat website.

The implementation of this bill will lead to a much-needed increase in female political representation in Papua New Guinea. In a male dominated political culture, the potential reservation of 22 seats for females will signify an important shift in gender equality in PNG. KS.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 14th, 2011 under E-gender.