The National Council of Women (NCW) has met with key government leaders to reset its partnership and agree on a way forward.
The high-level meeting yesterday brought together the Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, Hon. Powes Parkop, and the Minister for Community Development and Religion, Hon. Jason Peter. Also present were Departmental Secretary Jerry Ubase and senior officials from the Department of Community Development and Religion and the Office for the Development of Women.
Held at Parliament House, the meeting allowed for open dialogue on challenges facing the NCW and marked an important step toward rebuilding trust, coordination, and effective collaboration between government and the country’s peak women’s organization.
Governor Parkop stressed that the National Council of Women must be recognized and strengthened as a strategic national institution.
“We cannot build a safe, inclusive and progressive nation if women and girls are left behind,” he said. “The National Council of Women must be part of the solution, not an afterthought.”
He said the NCW is critical to Papua New Guinea’s long-term development and Vision 50 agenda.
Governor Parkop also announced a K1.5 million commitment from the National Capital District Commission to support the revival of the NCD Council of Women, including office accommodation and basic operational capacity.
Minister Peter acknowledged the concerns raised by NCW leaders and reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to resolving administrative issues and strengthening collaboration.
“This meeting allows us to hear directly from the elected leadership of the NCW and to identify a clear way forward,” he said. “We must work together to overcome the constraints we face.”
NCW President Sabeth Yengis welcomed the engagement, describing it as a long-overdue opportunity to rebuild the Council after years of uncertainty.
“The National Council of Women is not a private organization,” she said.
“It belongs to the women of Papua New Guinea. We want to restore confidence and ensure women’s voices are heard and respected.”
Vice President Dicu Gairi outlined difficulties faced by the elected executive since the national convention, including the lack of office space, limited funding, and poor communication.
“This is not about individuals,” she said. “It is about putting in place a strong foundation so future women leaders do not face the same challenges.”
Interim General Secretary Barbara Toiya reminded participants that the NCW is established by an Act of Parliament and must be treated with the respect accorded to national institutions.
“We cannot meaningfully speak about gender equality and women’s empowerment if the institution that represents women is undermined,” she said.
Responding on behalf of the Department of Community Development and Religion, Secretary Jerry Ubase acknowledged that many of the issues were administrative and apologized for past miscommunication.
He confirmed arrangements would be made to secure office accommodation for the NCW and reaffirmed that the Council reports directly to the Minister.
“These matters can be resolved,” he said. “We are committed to improving coordination and supporting the work of the National Council of Women.”
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to improved communication, clearer administrative processes, and stronger political advocacy to secure sustainable support for women’s institutions.
Participants also agreed on the importance of positioning the NCW to play an active role in PNG’s 50th Anniversary programs and upcoming gender equality and gender-based violence policy initiatives.
The engagement marked a reset in the relationship between government and the National Council of Women, with a shared goal of ensuring women and girls remain central to Papua New Guinea’s development and future.