Women Lawyers Challenged to Leave a Legacy

A first-of-its-kind summit to explore the establishment of a formal mentoring program for women in the legal profession has been held in Port Moresby.

Bringing together more than 60 women from the public and private sectors, the summit explored what mentoring means, how a mentoring program for female lawyers might work and what is needed for a program to work for female lawyers at different stages of their careers, including those based in the provinces.

“Mentoring plays a large role in giving women the confidence, support and training they need to reach their full potential, and be empowered,” said Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor, Mr. Rod Hilton, speaking at the opening of the event.

Ombudsman Phoebe Sangetari spoke about her experience in the legal sector and challenged women to work hard, set goals, and leave a legacy.

“We need to encourage mentoring relationships. We can forget that we will exit the workforce at some time, and as experienced persons we need to mentor someone to succeed us,” Ombudsman Sangetari said.

“Be ready to take on new challenges – take it, try it. You may never get the opportunity again. Look around at other women and men and think – if they can do it, I can do it too.”

Secretary of the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission, Dr. Eric Kwa said there is good work being done to promote gender equality, but there is much more to do.

“The biggest challenge is changing the mindset. Don’t forget that in the face of negativity, there is always something good, something positive.”
With all feedback from the summit collected, a working group of elected members will develop a framework for a formal mentoring program for female lawyers, with a view to launching later in the year.

The summit was funded by the Australian Government as part of its commitment to strengthening law and justice and women’s empowerment in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea.