British High Commission launches women’s advisory centre

To coincide with International Women’s Day on  March 8, the British High Commission is pleased to announce a joint venture with Governor Powes Parkop and the National Capital District – the establishment of a women’s advisory centre for Papua New Guinean women.
The project, which is the brainchild of the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will see the centre providing much needed professional advice for women who seek financial independence through obtaining relevant skills, information and knowledge.
The project, which will be launched tomorrow (March 8,  2011) will fund a support centre and network for PNG women who seek advice on achieving financial independence through obtaining relevant skills, information and knowledge at one convenient location.
The centre will be based in the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce Office.
British High Commissioner to PNG, Jackie Barson, said the women’s advisory centre would enable women in PNG, where the majority remain educated only to a to a minimal standard, to access professional advice as a means to enhancing both their professional and personal lives.
Barson said the establishment of the centre would also offer women access to information on how to start their own business, manage household finances, how to apply for a loan, statutory requirements of a registered business and basic book-keeping amongst other issues, and it would also offer access to women in business workshops.
She added that it is incumbent on all of us to focus our determination to tackle the discrimination and oppression of women and to step up our progress towards fairness and equality and equal opportunities.
Education is one of the most powerful instruments known for reducing poverty and inequality and for laying the basis for sustained economic growth, sound governance, and effective institutions.
Access to educational opportunities for women will change attitudes, economic circumstances and encourage opportunities for improving women’s social, economic and legal status.
Promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide is a priority for the UK coalition government.
Where it can, the British High Commission will continue to support programmes which promote the empowerment of women in PNG.
 This is an integral element to the UK’s global commitment to promote human rights, sustainable global growth, alleviation of poverty and democratic values.