Photo credit: IslandsBusiness.com
Excerpt from islandsbusiness.com
It is June, mid-2025, and in Bougainville, the perfume of an island air – perhaps some would take it as the morning breeze; yet, for the 97% of the population, it is hopeful news when they bathe in that fresh aroma. For the women and girls, they are like a bird on a lofty breeze, carried over the sky with ease on one wing. The third round of moderated talks between the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government on Bougainville’s issue of independence has commenced in Burnham, New Zealand. Among issues which remain outstanding are the timing for independence and the kind of relationship Bougainville and Papua New Guinea would eventually share when Bougainville is granted independence. Bougainville is embarking on a great adventure.
It is an autonomous province with its own government. A referendum on independence supported by women in 2019 saw an overwhelming 97.7% vote in favour of political independence. A pending ratification of referendum results by the parliament of Papua New Guinea will determine the next step – either to accept or reject full independence. Back on the island, the question of what Bougainville can achieve as a new nation is one they are exploring when the ratification window opens, with moderated consultations. Their choices may depend on family or clan loyalty, allegiance to political parties, beliefs that they will benefit, or their feelings about political issues. But there are two important things they must not neglect: character and policy. It would be wise for Bougainvilleans to consider these qualities in leaders when casting their votes.
Bougainville Women’s Federation’s dream is to see women and girls as equal partners in Bougainville’s development. This dream has a 50% possibility of being realised in Bougainville’s political space. Bougainville Women’s Federation (BWF) is advocating for more women to get into Bougainville’s parliament in this year’s 2025 Bougainville National Election. On the same note, over 120 young women have been supported to create new pathways to leadership for themselves through the Bougainville Women’s Federation Young Women Leadership Project."