Marape calls for greater respect for women this Mother’s day

Prime Minister James Marape has marked Mother’s Day with a heartfelt national appeal, urging Papua New Guineans to show greater respect and care for women, especially mothers, as the country approaches its 50th Independence Anniversary later this year.

In his message, Prime Minister Marape called on the men and sons of Papua New Guinea to honor the women in their lives not just through words, but through consistent actions grounded in love, protection, and dignity.

“This is the 49th year of our nationhood and the 49th Mother’s Day since independence in 1975,” Prime Minister Marape said. “While we strive for progress, development, and reform as a government, the true transformation of our country begins at the very foundation - respect for women, and especially our mothers.”

The Prime Minister drew from the Bible to emphasize the important role of women in society. Citing Genesis 2:18, he said women were created as partners to support and complete men.

In a statement released this afternoon, Prime Minister James Marape called for a moral reset, and for this to begin with individual conduct at home and in communities.

He concluded with a direct call to action: “To every man, husband, brother, and son across our nation: respect your mother; respect your wife, the mother of your children; respect your daughters, the mothers of tomorrow; respect your sisters; respect the women in our communities who care, work and lead with strength every day", Mr Marape said.