A strategic action plan 2025-2036 to support women’s economic development in the National Capital District markets was officially launched on Thursday at Gordon’s Market in Port Moresby.
It coincided with the National Women’s Day celebrations in the city and entire country.
Related news: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/ncdc-launch-first-womens-empowerment-strategy-plan/
The event was attended by representatives from the New Zealand High Commission, United Nations, including UNFPA and UNICEF, along with other partner organizations and stakeholders.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop said that markets are an important service provided by the NCDC administration but have not been fully recognized in the past.
“Market is a key service that NCDC offers to our people in the city. But for a long time, we have not been recognizing it as a key responsibility of NCDC. Today, it will end,” he said.
He assured vendors, especially women, that the city authority would now take full responsibility and work closely with them.
“Today, NCDC, under my leadership, we will come back and take ownership and work with you,” he said.
Governor Parkop also outlined plans to expand services at the markets beyond buying and selling.
He said a learning center would be introduced with support from UNICEF to help vendors improve their skills.
“With UNICEF, for example, we are going to bring this learning center here. We can set up facilities where women, men, and vendors can come and learn to read and write, understand how to manage business, and look after themselves in all aspects,” he said.
He described the launch as a significant event and said it was part of the National Women’s Day celebrations.
He also called for a strong commitment to end gender-based violence in the country.
“We must make a commitment to end gender-based violence in our city and country,” he said.
Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, Jason Peter also spoke at the event.
He thanked women across the country and shared a personal story about his mother.
“My mother was a vendor who would sell donuts to raise me. I learned from my mother about the informal economy. After school and formal employment, I returned to the informal economy,” he said.
He added that his journey started in the informal sector and later led him into business and politics.
“This raised me to where I am today, from informal economy to self-entrepreneur and then to a politician,” he said.
Minister Peter said the government is committed to supporting women and ensuring they live free from violence and discrimination.
He also expressed his support for working closely with the NCD Governor.
The event concluded with Governor Parkop officially signing the Strategic Action Plan booklet, marking the launch of the initiative aimed at improving the lives and economic opportunities of women in the city’s markets.