Women as peacemakers much needed at this time, says Momis

Momis - 'Through women's joint efforts peace in Bougainville was attained and maintained'

ANTHONY KAYBING

BUKA - The traditional roles of Bougainvillean women have been as custodians of the land and providers of the safety net within the community.

In more recent times these roles have been redefined to include peacemaker, to mark their contributions to the post-civil war Bougainville peace process.

Bougainville president John Momis congratulated the women of Bougainville during five days of celebrating their social contribution to the autonomous province last week.

“Women are an important stakeholder in peace building on Bougainville,” Dr Momis said. “It was through your joint efforts with our leaders, ex-combatants and government that peace was initially attained.

“I once again call upon your resilience and unwavering support to continue to play a vital role in preparing our people before the referendum [on Bougainville’s political future] is held next year.

“I am of the firm belief that our people will not fail but before that happens we must work hard for it to happen,” he said.

Dr Momis told the women that Bougainville must meet international best practice standards on human rights, due processes and democracy.

He reminded the women that the referendum is a privilege that only Bougainville has in Papua New Guinea.

“This means we are a highly favoured people presented with a rare opportunity to decide our own destiny,” he said.

Dr Momis also revealed that the Bougainville government was embarking on preparatory work leading to the referendum and post referendum period.

“The Department of Bougainville Peace Agreement Implementation is working tirelessly to ensure that we have a smooth transition and that our progress is within the parameters of the peace agreement,” he said.

He said the people of Bougainville are committed to collaborating with the Papua New Guinea government in implementing the referendum in a democratic manner.

Dr Momis reinforced that the process of self-determination is within the parameters of the PNG Constitution and is not in contravention of any laws of the country despite what some people may presume.

He said Bougainville has earned this right after the national government declared war on its own citizens in a civil war that saw the loss of more than 20,000 lives.