Women from the proposed Wafi Golpu Mining in affected areas in the Morobe province observed International Women’s Day yesterday at City Link Hotel in Lae city.
The women from the proposed Mining area down to the pipeline and tailing disposal areas were on their way to attend a business conference the next day when they were led to observe the day.
Yaitung Jonath representing women from Salamaua Local Level Government (LLG) area in Huon Gulf District said such an occasion allows women to take get- togethers to table challenges and issues they face and find the best ways forward.
She suggests business houses through social networking, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and Government to create more avenues where women can take on as avenues to table their challenges.
Secretary for Wagang Outfall Landowners Association Lisa Kauc shared similar sentiments and said most times women were overlooked and restrained from doing male-performed tasks. She said the occasion observed worldwide is commended, but the stakeholders at the local level have to make it more convenient for women to use as avenues to address issues.
More than 20 women attended the event which was hosted by Wafi Golpu Mining Ltd. Daily challenges and issues faced by women were presented by the company’s social affairs department. Presentations were done on actual situations faced by women in our society that hinders development.