Joint Parliamentary Women’s Caucus Hosts Three-Day Seminar in Port Moresby

Last week, the Joint Parliamentary Women’s Caucus of Papua New Guinea, comprising women parliamentarians serving in the Parliament of PNG and the Bougainville House of Representatives, gathered in Port Moresby for a three-day seminar aimed at advancing women’s political participation and strengthening their role in peacebuilding efforts ahead of the 2027 National General Election.

May 20, 2026

Ms. Zoe Pelter, Assistant Resident Representative Governance, UNDP, during her presentation.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

Supported collectively through three UNDP programmes funded by the Australian Government and UN, the seminar provided an important platform for dialogue, experience-sharing, and coordinated action on gender equality, inclusive governance, and peacebuilding. Participants reviewed the Women’s Caucus 2026 Action Plan and explored innovative strategies to mobilize and encourage greater participation of women in political processes across Papua New Guinea.

“We know that women’s exclusion from political leadership is structural and deeply embedded within our political and electoral systems. This seminar brings together Parliament, government institutions, civil society, and development partners to move beyond discussion and work toward practical reforms that create a safer, fairer, and more inclusive environment for women’s political participation ahead of the 2027 elections,” said Hon. Rufina Peter, Governor of Central Province and Co-Chair of the Joint Parliamentary Women’s Caucus.

Hon. Rufina Peter, Governor of Central Province and Co-Chair of the Joint Parliamentary Women’s Caucus, during her opening remarks.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

The seminar highlighted the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Papua New Guinea, including the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, Peace and Security Policy 2023–2027 and its alignment with national, regional, and international frameworks. Participants also discussed the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 in Papua New Guinea, with civil society representatives sharing perspectives on progress, challenges, and priority areas for action.

Discussions also reflected on the Bougainville Peace Process and the post-referendum outlook, focusing on key milestones, emerging risks, and the critical role of women in peacebuilding and political leadership.

Sessions examining women’s political participation explored the effectiveness of quotas and the ongoing review of Codes of Conduct for political parties and candidates. Participants also discussed recent amendments to the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates, passed earlier this year by the Parliament of Papua New Guinea following recommendations from the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC).

“The discussions on legislative reform and electoral processes are critical to ensuring women are not only included in political conversations, but are also able to meaningfully influence decisions on peace, security, and governance,” said Hon. Carolyn Poli, Co-Chair of the Joint Parliamentary Women’s Caucus.

Hon. Carolyn Poli, Co-Chair of the Joint Parliamentary Women’s Caucus, giving her opening speech.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

The revised law now requires political parties to ensure that at least 10 per cent of their candidates in future elections are women. Participants discussed the importance of ensuring women candidates are aware of and actively engage with these reforms to maximize opportunities created through evolving legal and policy frameworks.

The seminar forms part of UNDP’s ongoing support to strengthen democratic governance and institutions in Papua New Guinea, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.