Papua New Guinea is stepping into a more inclusive future as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with UN Women and key national stakeholders, proudly announces the launch of Phase Two of the "Women Make The Change" project. The initiative was officially introduced at an Inception Meeting held this week in Port Moresby.
Empowering Women in Politics: A Development Priority
Building on the success of Phase One, the new two-year phase of the project continues its mission: to support women’s political participation and leadership at both national and sub-national levels. The project is part of a broader vision to address gender disparity in leadership and governance across the country.
“Papua New Guinea’s lack of consistent female representation is not due to a lack of capable women, but to deep-rooted structural and cultural barriers,” said Mr. Aadil Mansoor, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative.
“Women’s leadership isn’t just about fairness, it’s a development imperative that makes societies more inclusive, peaceful, and resilient.”
Vision for 2027 and Beyond
The Women Make The Change project is designed to create a strengthened and inclusive political environment, one where diverse women leaders are not only visible but fully supported. This includes backing during election campaigns, reinforcing institutional support, advocating for progressive legal reforms, and building active coalitions to champion women’s rights.
With Phase Two, the goal is to ensure that by the 2027 elections and beyond, Papua New Guinea will witness greater female participation in political decision-making.
A Unified Commitment to Gender Equality
This project is not just a program—it represents a unified national and global commitment to closing the gender leadership gap in Papua New Guinea. With continued collaboration between government, civil society, and international partners, the initiative stands as a symbol of shared responsibility and collective action.
The Government of Australia has generously funded this next phase, showcasing its dedication to fostering equality and sustainable development in PNG.