Celebrating “Sovereign Sisters” - International Women’s Day 2024
Imagine a room filled with strong women who are pillars in their communities - providing schools and clinics where there were none, speaking out against injustice and family-based violence, negotiating with mining companies for better environmental and community outcomes, establishing equitable access to water and sewerage services and providing pathways to employment for women where this was previously unheard of, using community-based enterprise as a vehicle for change.
This was our experience as we spent time with the Advancing PNG Women Leaders Network (APNGWLN), a powerhouse group of women who, sometimes against insurmountable odds, stand strong and tall, filled with hope and courage.
Today we celebrate each of these women and the connection we share.
Sovereign Sisters
We are delighted to share with you this significant moment during our week together where we recognised our relationship as “Sovereign Sisters” and as neighbours across the Strait. Watch below:
The Indigenous people of Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have deep historical connections to their lands, cultures, and identities. Both groups have faced colonisation, marginalisation and challenges to the preservation of their languages, traditions, and heritage. Community First Development and APNGWLN see that working together and taking a collaborative approach presents a promising pathway to understanding joint challenges, safeguarding our cultural legacies and securing a better future for our people and communities.
Our collaborative relationship recognises the significant challenges Indigenous people from Australia and PNG are faced with and, through shared lived experience, explores community led solutions.
By acknowledging the common challenges and historical experiences we share we leverage our unique perspectives, traditions, and Knowledges. Collaborative efforts between our Indigenous groups can lead to enhanced cultural preservation, socioeconomic development, and a stronger global Indigenous voice.
Our relationship has been fostered within an environment where the core values of cultural identity are honored and shared and First Peoples’ Knowledges are preferenced. Our shared strategy involves navigating the delicate balance of walking in two worlds, sharing knowledge, and collectively building a strong foundation for the future.
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Background
APNGWLN is supporting community-led transformation at the grassroots level through its network of women leaders. The women of this network know their communities and are passionate about the solutions they offer. The secretariat of APNGWLN know their members and their circumstances well, they have strong relationships with the women. This is unique and is the great success of this diverse network. These relationships are something that can only be built over time and maintained through immense integrity and commitment.
It was our great honour to be invited to PNG to celebrate APNGWLN’s 10 year anniversary and attend their week-long workshop and governance processes.
The workshop provided APNGWLN members with an opportunity to explore how to best lead and develop effective Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in PNG that are culturally relevant, highly networked and able to secure increasing direct support (financing, both local and international), and to hold their AGM and elect office bearers.
Workshop sessions included discussions on the interaction of western and cultural governance, strategic planning, and systems and processes. A key focus of these discussions was culture and values in our leadership, organisations and communities.
Our visit to PNG was sponsored by the Australian Government’s PNGAus Partnership.