240526 Chiefs Called to Support Women

Chief Mark Erick Waraka from Steamas Village in Rau Constituency, Central Bougainville, has called on chiefs, leaders and men across Bougainville to stand together in supporting women and women’s groups in their communities.

Chief Mark made the call during his visit to the Bougainville Women’s Federation (BWF) office on Friday, 22 May 2026, where he officially registered the Voapa Women’s Cooperative Group as an affiliate of BWF.

Speaking during the registration, Chief Mark said women play an important role in managing families, communities and development initiatives, and therefore deserve greater support and encouragement from leaders and men.

“We have to support and empower our women, so our families and communities are uplifted,” he said.

Chief Mark also encouraged fellow chiefs and community leaders throughout Bougainville to work closely with women groups and support their efforts in community development and economic empowerment.

He told BWF that he has continued to support the women in his community and described the registration of the Voapa Women’s Cooperative Group with BWF as a proud achievement for the women of Steamas Village.

The affiliation of the women’s group with BWF is expected to strengthen the participation of women in community development initiatives and create more opportunities for women in the Rau Constituency.