030626 Affiliations Close with More Than 100 Women’s Groups Registered with BWF

The Bougainville Women's Federation (BWF) has reached a significant milestone in 2026, with more than 100 women's groups successfully affiliating and registering with the Federation across Bougainville.

The annual affiliation and registration process, which commenced in March 2026, officially closed on Monday, 1 June 2026. This year's registration period was extended due to the impacts of Cyclone Maila and other related challenges that affected communities throughout Bougainville.

BWF Executive and Management have expressed their appreciation to the women leaders throughout the region for their commitment, leadership, and tireless efforts in connecting women and girls to the Federation as the peak representative body for women in Bougainville.

BWF President and Executive acknowledged that the achievement demonstrates the growing confidence women have in the Federation and its role in advocating for the interests and development of women and girls.

"We are grateful to all women leaders who worked hard to ensure their groups were registered and affiliated with BWF. This milestone reflects the strength of our women's movement and the collective commitment to empowering women across Bougainville," the Federation stated.

Affiliation with BWF is renewed annually and provides registered groups with a range of benefits, including access to training and capacity-building programs, networking opportunities, participation in BWF events and the National Congress, access to current information and updates, and opportunities to contribute to policy and advocacy initiatives affecting women.

The close of registrations also marks the beginning of the next phase of the Federation's governance processes, including the re-election and induction of Regional Presidents and Executive Committees for Central (9th -10th June 2026) and South Bougainville (11th -12th June 2026). The induction for the Northern region will be conducted in July 2026.

BWF encouraged all affiliated groups to continue working closely with the Federation to strengthen women's leadership, promote community development, and ensure that the voices of women and girls are represented at all levels of decision-making.

The Federation remains committed to building a strong, united, and inclusive women's movement that contributes to the social, economic, and political development of Bougainville.

The registrations will officially reopen in March 2027.