Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has emphasised his commitment to strengthening the representation of women in Papua New Guinea’s Parliament, signalling plans for closer collaboration with the National Council of Women to ensure women’s voices are formally included in national decision-making.

Speaking about preparations for the upcoming Pangu Pati convention, Prime Minister Marape said the issue of women’s representation would be addressed as part of ongoing work within the party and the broader national governance framework.

The Prime Minister noted that preparations were already underway for the party’s national convention, where key policy directions and governance reforms would be discussed.

“I am currently working on the blueprint of the party ahead of our convention in the coming month,” Prime Minister Marape said.

He reminded the public that the party has historically played a a significant role in shaping the country’s constitutional and governance framework.

“This party gave this country its Constitution. In Section 103 of the Constitution, provisions were written to allow for three nominated Members of Parliament,” he said.

Prime Minister Marape said he would present a formal proposal to the Pangu Pati National Convention scheduled for 9–10 April for the party’s consideration and possible adoption as part of the party’s policy blueprint going forward.

Under the proposal, the Government would utilise Section 103 of the Constitution, which provides for three nominated Members of Parliament, with one of those seats dedicated to women’s representation.

Prime Minister Marape said the concept being proposed is that the President of the National Council of Women, or a representative chosen through the council’s own processes, could serve as a nominated Member of Parliament under an ex-officio arrangement.

“We will work with the National Council of Women going forward so that the organisation has a stronger link into Parliament,” he said.

“If this proposal is endorsed by the Pangu Pati convention, it will become party policy and we will work towards implementing it so that from the 2027 government onwards, one of the nominated seats in Parliament can be occupied by a representative of the National Council of Women.”

Prime Minister Marape said the constitutional provision already exists and was crafted by leaders associated with Pangu Pati prior to Independence in 1975, demonstrating the party’s long-standing commitment to building inclusive national institutions.

The Prime Minister said such arrangements would help ensure that women’s perspectives are consistently represented in national dialogue and policymaking.

He emphasised that Papua New Guinea’s development requires the full participation of both men and women in leadership and governance.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day and reflect on our nation’s journey toward our 50th anniversary of Independence, we must continue working to ensure women are represented in leadership and decision- making at all levels,” he said.

Prime Minister Marape reiterated that strengthening democratic institutions and expanding participation remain key pillars of the Government’s vision for a stronger and more inclusive Papua New Guinea.