The National Capital District Women’s Council has officially resumed operations after 15 years of inactivity.
It held its first Annual General Meeting on Tuesday to restore a formal platform for women’s representation in the capital. The elected office holders were not announced yet.
The AGM, held at Sir John Guise Stadium, brought together government representatives, civil society organizations, churches, donor partners, youth groups, persons living with disabilities and women leaders from across Port Moresby.
National President of the PNG Council of Women Ms. Sabeth Yangis described the meeting as a major milestone and said the revived NCD Women’s Council is now recognized as the official representative body of the National Council of Women in the capital.
Ms. Yangis said the Council had completed all statutory requirements under the National Council of Women Act by adopting its Constitution, Standing Orders and Annexes.
She said the process provides the legal authority for the Council to represent and advocate for women across the National Capital District.
Ms. Yangis acknowledged NCD Governor Powes Parkop for supporting women’s development and backing efforts to revive the Council.
She also thanked the National Capital District Commission for financial support that enabled the establishment of the Council’s office, recruitment of staff and strengthening of operations.
According to Ms. Yangis, the Council now carries responsibility for representing all women in the city, including indigenous Motu Koitabu women, young women, women living with disabilities and professional women.
Meanwhile, NCD Women’s Council President Ms. Lucy Pomu said the organization’s return followed Governor Parkop’s call to restore the Council after more than a decade without active operations.
She said support from the NCD Commission, particularly through its Family and Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Division, provided the technical and administrative backing needed to rebuild the organization.
Ms. Pomu said the Council had spent the last one year and three months rebuilding governance systems, restoring membership and strengthening public confidence.
She reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to inclusive leadership and recognized the Motu Koitabu people as the traditional custodians of the land.
Ms. Pomu said the Council would continue ensuring indigenous communities, youth, women with disabilities and professional women remain represented in decision-making.
She thanked the NCD Commission, development partners and Council members for supporting the revival process and helping establish a stronger foundation for future work.
Ms. Pomu encouraged members to treat the AGM as a new beginning for stronger partnerships, accountable leadership and greater participation of women in community and family development.
The AGM also formally ratified the Council’s governance documents, clearing the way for the NCD Women’s Council to operate as the statutory representative body for women in the National Capital District.