Looking for the next generation of women leaders

The Bougainville Women's Collective and its member organisations have some very strong and inspirational leaders, many of whom have been active in their communities for many years. But there are comparatively few young women taking on leadership roles or preparing to do so, and this is a great concern for those concerned about continuing the important work.

The Bougainville Women's Federation has recently conducted a survey of young women in Bougainville to try to find out why this is so, and how they can encourage young women to prepare for leadership.

Hona Holan, President of the BWF, was interviewed about the survey on Radio NZ: to  hear the interview click here.

The BWF is now implementing plans developed to involve young women in leadership.

White Ribbon Day celebrated in Bougainville

Friday 28 November 2014: A program of events was held in Buka for White Ribbon Day, to end violence against women and girls. This is a devastating problem in Bougainville and throughout PNG and a public statement of this kind is an important step in changing the attitudes that allow violence to flourish.
Those present included the three women members of the ABG House of Representatives, and representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, UN Women, Bougainville Police Service and the law and justice sector. The Bougainville Women's Federation was represented  by Hona Holan.
For photographs and further information on the Bougainville News website, click here.

Farewell to the missing people from the 1990s civil war

A ceremony has been held at Buka Passage to commemorate the thousands of Bougainville people who died in the civil war of the 1990s. Many people disappeared or were taken away and their bodies were never found.
See the ABC report here.
The report is available in Tok Pisin here.
A first hand report from the Mekamui News site (Clive Porabou) can be seen here.