The National Executive Council Decision No: 84/2005 on 2nd of May 2005 approved the establishment of the Office for the Development of Women (ODW) as a government instrument for enhancing the participation of women in contributing to and benefiting from development in PNG with a focus on whole-of-government policy making.
The ODW focus on policy development work with a whole-of-government focus, ensures that line agencies continue to develop and implement programmes for the benefit of women.
The ODW is consistent with the implementation of the Government of PNG’s Medium Term Development Strategy that commits the Government to reduce inequalities between men and women in PNG. A major factor contributing to the current weakness of Government in promoting gender equality relates to the lack of capacity of its current machinery to monitor and evaluate programme impacts on women.
The PNG National Constitution makes clear that women are equal with male citizens. This was reflected in the seventh point of its eight-point plan adopted on the country’s eve of political independence.
The physical construction of the office space for the ODW is nearing completion. As for its operations, the Department for Personnel Management is expected to approve its structure shortly.
The ODW can be contacted through telephone number: 325 4566 or fax: 325 0133 or email mkajoi@pngfamilies.gov.pg
