2015 and Beyond: Bougainville Parliament

The 2015 Autonomous Bougainville Government General Election saw 12 women contest open constituency seats, a marked increase in participation compared to the previous election in 2010.

However, only one woman – Josephine Getsi was successful. IWDA recognises her win as a landmark achievement for women in the region but also as an indication for more work to be done to ensure the number of successful campaigns continue to grow.

IWDA’s Funding Leadership and Opportunities for Women program supported local partners in Bougainville in the delivery of leadership workshops prior to the election, in which Getsi participated. IWDA celebrates her success and will continue to support similar programs to improve rates of participation in politics.