Taking advantage of this unique gathering, the five Registry staff members, conducted an awareness session on a major milestone, the Registry’s new provision requiring political parties to endorse a 10% quota for female candidates under their party banners.The initiative received high praise from prominent attendees. Ms. Angelyn Paranda, Acting Director of the Legal Training Institute (LTI), commended the Registry’s efforts, noting that Papua New Guinea has lacked laws specifically creating space for women in politics since 1975. “This is the first law of its kind, and it is historic in itself,” she said. Echoing this sentiment, Ms. Anna Kavana Bais, former Secretary for Community Development, a 1985 Marianville alumna, and a People’s Party-endorsed candidate for Moresby North-Wester in the 2022 National Election, expressed great optimism. She noted that the revised Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates brings genuine hope for future female leaders.
Many of the Marianville alumnae in attendance now hold prominent leadership roles or have contested past national elections. Fully understanding the steep challenges women face in the political arena, they widely applauded the Registry for creating a concrete pathway for women to enter politics. Notable attendees included, Acting Electoral Commissioner, Margaret Vagi, 2022 Moresby North-East candidate under United Labour Party, Dianne Unagi and Principal Legal Officer for Ela Motors, Ms. Erica Gwale.
The five participating staff members expressed their gratitude to the Registrar and the IPPCC for providing the support necessary to attend the anniversary. Following their successful awareness outreach at the event, the team has officially submitted a list of recommendations to the management to groom women leaders in the country.