LocationsOn 3-5 June 2026, women leaders from Papua New Guinea's Highlands region and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville gathered in Port Moresby for a ‘Women Leading Peace Training, Reflection and Peer Exchange Workshop’
Connecting women peacebuilders from Bougainville and the Highlands
June 8, 2026
Over 30 peacebuilders from Bougainville and the Highlands participated in the training
UNDP Papua New Guinea/Clive Hawigen
Organized under the ‘Empower Her – Papua New Guinea Peace Initiative’ funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund, the workshop aimed to strengthen collaboration between women peace actors from both regions to enhance their role in conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding processes in the country.
Women in PNG continue to face significant barriers to participation in political and peacebuilding processes, even though conflict, electoral violence, and gender-based violence particularly impact women and other vulnerable groups. Despite these challenges, women remain at the forefront of promoting dialogue, reconciliation and social cohesion in their communities.
The participants deepened their understanding of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda.
UNDP Papua New Guinea/Seru Kepa
“Women are not only affected by conflict; they are leaders, mediators, organisers and decision-makers. Through this initiative, we are creating space for women from the Highlands and Bougainville to strengthen their skills, share experiences, and lead efforts to build lasting peace in their communities,” stated Ms. Shalini Bahuguna, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea, during her opening remarks.
For thee consecutive days, the participants deepened their understanding of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, shared lessons they have learned from their personal peacebuilding efforts, and explored practical approaches to conflict prevention, management, resolution.
The Women's Member for Bougainville South, Hon. Rose Pihei, shared her experiences of building peace in her region.
UNDP Papua New Guinea/Clive Hawigen
"What I have learned throughout my peacebuilding journey is that it only takes a heart to start making a difference. Many women begin this work without formal training, driven by a commitment to their communities. When we invest in their leadership and build their capacity, they become powerful agents of peace and change," stated Hon. Rose Pihei, the Deputy Speaker of the Bougainville House of Representatives.
The workshop builds on UNDP's concept of Infrastructures for Peace, strengthening connections between community leaders, civil society and institutional actors to support inclusive and sustainable peace outcomes.
The ‘Empower Her – Papua New Guinea Peace Initiative’ is jointly implemented by UNDP, UN Women, OHCHR and UNFPA in partnership with national and local stakeholders and with the generous funding of the UN Peacebuilding Fund.
