Media RELEASE
ARAWA, Central Bougainville, Monday 8th March 1999
International Women's Day Celebration - Bougainville
+ Women of war-torn Bougainville Celebrate International Women's Day,
+ Women remind leaders of their roles as traditional landowners,
+ Women re-iterate their part in the rebuilding of Bougainville.
International Women's Day was celebrated today in Arawa by a gathering of over
700 women, in a crowd that marched from Arawa District Office to Independence
Oval. A rally followed with traditional singsings, dances, choirs and youth
performances combined with traditional bamboo flutes and string bands with
extraordinary political compositions.
Women leaders from the Bougainville Constituent Assembly (BCA) of the
Bougainville Reconciliation Government (BRG) Mrs. Lucy Morris, Bougainville
Women for Peace and Freedom (BWPF) Vice President Mrs. Marcelline Tunim
and the Bougainville Women's Council (BWC) Ms. Therese Jaintong touched the
hearts of all that heard them speak. Their messages expressed women's desire for
and commitment to Bougainville's future, it's peace, development and reconstruction
as a free and independent homeland.
The celebrations, posters and the speeches all voiced the same message in a powerful
celebration of unity as the women called for a Political Settlement,
self-determination
and independence for Bougainville.
The women want to be recognised as landowners exercising their right to determine
their own future. All present, including the Bougainville men, were amazed to
witness the political resolve of the women and the expression of their strength of
conviction. Whether they were from 'Care Centres" or from BRA controlled areas,
women joined hands as they marched together.
Other speakers of note; Mr. James Tanis the Acting Co Chairman of the BCA and
Mr. George Tarala, the District Manager in Arawa for Central Bougainville were
invited to address the Women's March. They expressed amazement at the event.
They acknowledged the women working side by side with their men and leaders
as they reconstruct and develop Bougainville from the 'ashes' of the last nine years
of war.
For further information contact: Ms. Rosemary Dikaung and Mrs.Marilyn Havini
- Telephone: 02 - 9804 7632 Sydney
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