MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
18 October 2006
MAGISTERIAL SERVICE RECOGNISES IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN MAGISTRATES
The country’s fourteen women magistrates are participating in a two-day workshop aimed at promoting the role of Women District Court Magistrates throughout Papua New Guinea.
The workshop has been organised by the Magisterial Services and will be held from the 19 to 20 of this month in Port Moresby.
Chief Magistrate, John Numapo, said the Magisterial Services recognises the important role these women play in administrating justice, but also acknowledged that this small number of women faced considerable challenges within the court system.
“I want to encourage you to use this opportunity to exchange experiences and identify opportunities where you can show to your male counterparts that you are equal professionals, and just as important as they are when it comes to delivering justice,” he said.
He emphasised that it was equally important for them to use their positions to educate women across the country about the law and their legal rights, especially in cases where customs were not favourable to the equality of women.
The Australian Government supports this initiative through AusAID’s Law and Justice Sector Program, particularly by assisting in the development of a strategy aimed at addressing gender within the sector. The strategy promotes gender equality for employees and office holders, as well as people who use the law and justice system.
The head of AusAID in PNG, Ms Margaret Thomas, commended the Magisterial Services for seeing the benefits of women having a stronger role in the law and justice sector.
“The involvement of women at all levels within the sector is vital to ensure that the justice system reflects the interests and perspectives of everyone in the communities it serves,” she said.
Ms Thomas said the workshop was a good bench mark for other agencies to follow into the future.
Note to Editor
Official opening, 9:00 a.m., Thursday 19 Oct 2006, The Gateway Hotel.
Media Inquiries: Anna Awasa, Public Affairs, Ph : 325 9333 ext 304, M : 693 1097