Changing Attitudes

The successful election of Josephine Getsi to the open seat of the Peit constituency is an indication of positive change in Bougainville’s political landscape. A record 35 female candidates contested seats in the election, with 12 women standing for open constituency seats. After Getsi’s successful campaign, she was appointed to cabinet. It is crucial to recognize the significance of her success as a marker of attitude change towards women’s political participation and leadership.

In a report produced by Australian National University, Josephine Getsi’s successful election campaign is examined. IWDA’s Funding Leadership and Opportunities for Women program partner Bougainville Women’s Federation is acknowledged for the support they provided to women candidates in the lead up to the election, which involved the delivery of workshops and a mock parliament sessions in Buka.