Government recognizes women in Budget
Thur Nov 20, 2008 12:00pm
The Government has allocated K2.5 million in the 2009 National
Budget, to cater for more women representation in Parliament.
The one-off expenditure funding for the Women In Parliament
initiative, was announced by Treasurer and Finance Minister, Patrick
Pruaitch on Tuesday.
Minister for Community Development, Women, Religion and Sports, Dame
Carol Kidu, is expected to introduce a Bill in Parliament this session
or next year, to support the move.
Deputy Prime Minister, Doctor Puka Temu, recently revealed that three
women would be appointed to Parliament.
The Somare-Temu Government is sticking to its commitment, of
fulfilling Constitutional requirements and cry from the womenfolk, by
allocating funds under the 2009 National Budget to see this through.
Meanwhile, a University academic has stated, that funding for the
Women In Parliament initiative is a historic occasion for the country,
particularly the women.
Senior political science lecturer at the University of Papua New
Guinea, Doctor Ovoru Sepoe, said it has been a long haul, but the much
awaited recognition shows changes are possible with political will. |
