National and regional forums advance women’s political leadership ahead of PNG’s 2027 elections

From August to September, UNDP and the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC), through the Women Make the Change Programme, convened a National Forum and four Regional Forums to enhance women's participation in political processes.

September 7, 2026

the five forums brought hundreds of women leaders and aspiring candidates, political party representatives, electoral officials, women’s organisations, civil society and other stakeholders into dialogue on the barriers that continue to limit women’s participation in political processes.

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Juho Valta

Together, the five forums brought hundreds of women leaders and aspiring candidates, political party representatives, electoral officials, women’s organisations, civil society and other stakeholders into dialogue on the barriers that continue to limit women’s participation in political processes.

The discussions come at a critical time for Papua New Guinea. Only three of the 118 current members of the National Parliament are women, while just 10 women have been elected to Parliament since Independence in 1975.

Across the forums, participants explored the structural, financial, cultural and institutional barriers facing women candidates, while identifying practical measures to make elections safer, more inclusive and more transparent. Discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening women’s wings within political parties, improving civic and voter education, protecting women from intimidation and violence, and ensuring political parties and electoral institutions provide meaningful pathways for women to contest elections.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Aadil Mansoor, highlighted how women's empowerment is not only a matter of equality, but economic development.

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Juho Valta

Opening the National Forum, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Aadil Mansoor emphasized that women’s political participation has implications far beyond representation alone.

“Women’s political participation is therefore not just a matter of social justice, but of economic development. Women in parliament often champion policy priorities essential to inclusive human development ranging from social welfare to healthcare and legal protections. When women are in parliament, they move societies forward.”

Two people on stage: man in a suit and woman in a green dress, with a purple banner and flowers nearby. — Papua New Guinea continues to have one of the lowest level's of women's representation in politics globally.

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Juho Valta

The forums also provided an opportunity for women aspiring to political office to engage directly with political parties, connect with experienced women leaders and build networks ahead of the 2027 elections.

For IPPCC Registrar Emmanuel Pok, creating greater opportunities for women in politics requires changes not only from aspiring candidates, but also from the institutions and political culture surrounding elections.

“There is a clear need to change culture surrounding women’s participation in the National General Elections. Parliamentary democracy is part of a new state culture that should be favourable for women. If we, as mandated institutions preparing for the elections, do not change, we won't change this behaviour.”

PNG's newly sworn-in Elections Commissioner, Dr. Nicole Haley, delivered her first public remarks at the National Forum in Port Moresby

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Juho Valta

The National Forum also provided a platform for participants to engage with Dr Nicole Haley, following her swearing-in as Papua New Guinea’s new Electoral Commissioner. Participants proposed practical measures to strengthen the integrity, safety and transparency of the 2027 elections, including safeguards for women candidates and measures to ensure women can exercise their right to vote freely.

“The current election readiness gap necessitates the immediate adoption of a crisis management approach towards the 2027 National General Election and the establishment of a dedicated delivery-oriented crisis management team within the Electoral Commission,” Dr Haley stated.

Election violence and how it impacts women's ability to participate in electoral processes was highlighted as a major concern across the forums

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Juho Valta

Electoral integrity and safety emerged as important themes throughout the consultations. Participants highlighted concerns including election-related violence, bribery, block voting and other practices that can undermine the ability of voters and candidates—particularly women—to participate freely.

Rossi Pandihau, Electoral Manager from Jiwaka Province, emphasized the shared responsibility for creating a safe electoral environment.

“In addition to the Electoral Commission, it is also the responsibility of the voters, candidates, and political parties to protect the electoral process and ensure that everyone gets to exercise their right to vote freely without intimidation.”

The consultations also underscored the importance of changing public attitudes towards political leadership and strengthening citizens’ understanding of the responsibilities of elected representatives.

“We must educate our people of the responsibilities of a leader when they come into office,” said Patricia Ato Willie, President of the Motu Koita Women’s Advancement Association. “They don’t see the big picture, things like capital development and support to education, health and other major projects.”

Smiling women gathered around a table in a bright room; one holds a handwritten poster. — The recommendations and insights gathered through the counsultations will inform the upcoming initiatives of the Women Make the Change Programme, as UNDP and IPPCC continue working with partners to strengthen women’s preparedness to contest the 2027 elections

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Juho Valta

The forums also saw political parties engage with and validate a Gender Equality Pledge for Political Parties, providing a foundation for integrating gender equality into how parties conduct their business and develop their manifestos. Participants further emphasized the importance of political parties’ women’s wings as pathways for identifying, supporting and mobilizing future women candidates.

The recommendations and insights gathered through the national and regional consultations will inform the next phase of the Women Make the Change Programme, as UNDP and IPPCC continue working with partners to strengthen women’s preparedness to contest the 2027 elections, advance gender-responsive policies and reforms, and increase the visibility, participation and acceptance of women leaders across Papua New Guinea.