Book 2 - Ebu

Guidelines on gender-ethical reporting
consultations,” she said, adding that investment in women’s participation remains
vital in decision making process.
“Yes, women played a key role in bringing the Bougainville conflict to an end, but
now at this time, women are silent in formal processes even though they continue to
convene programmes and dialogue at events.”
Hakena welcomed the support of the UNDP to assist in convening the dialogue as
she called for greater participation of women in consultation processes by supporting
education programmes for women to ensure they are empowered and their capacity
is realised.
She said Bougainville women could use UNSCR 1325 as a guiding tool and also as
advocacy for women in decision-making and “continuing our engagement with
governments on the urgency of having women in decision-making processes” and
women’s representation in Parliament where they could influence policy makers and
where their views were changed into laws.
Questioned whether Bougainvilleans were happy with its government, Hakena said:
“We are happy to have our own government particularly the reserved seats that we
have for women. Women are able to contest themselves.”
Hakena also stated that independence in Bougainville would only proceed “if we are
financially viable” and if the Bougainville government fully addressed the challenges
that confronted the peace process.
Meanwhile, Leitana Nehan Women’s Development Agency together with Minister for
Women Rose Pihei were having continuous consultations to organise the anniversary
of the UNSC resolution 1325 on October 28 in Buka.
This event will once again bring together women’s groups from around Buka and the
mainland to participate in this celebration for women, peace and security.
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