Papua New Guinea's prime minister has proposed creating reserved parliamentary seats for women, aiming to address the nation's all-male legislature and persistent gender inequality.
Proposal Amid International Criticism ¶
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill unveiled the plan on International Women's Day, emphasizing the need for greater representation of women in leadership roles. The proposal comes as PNG faces global scrutiny for its high rates of domestic violence and limited political participation by women.
The current parliament consists of 111 members representing 8.3 million people, with no female MPs. O'Neill acknowledged this as a 'sad fact,' stating that women's interests are often overlooked despite their qualifications.
Context of Gender Inequality ¶
Domestic and sexual violence remain widespread in PNG, with two-thirds of women reporting experiences of abuse. Public disputes and witch hunts targeting women are common in some regions, though recent legal reforms have increased penalties for domestic violence and improved police response.
O'Neill argued that achieving national progress requires addressing 'the wellbeing of all people, especially women.' His government plans to submit legislation to establish reserved seats, a move supported by some women's organizations but opposed by others who fear it reinforces stereotypes of female inadequacy.
Divided Reactions ¶
Theresa Jaintong of the PNG National Council of Women welcomed the proposal, urging lawmakers to prioritize it. However, former minister Delilah Gore and 2017 election candidate Rubie Wanariu criticized the idea, arguing that women should compete on equal terms rather than receive designated positions.
Previous attempts to introduce gender quotas have failed due to constitutional hurdles. The current proposal faces similar challenges, but O'Neill remains committed to advancing the issue despite opposition.
