Comments

Interesting article that captures the origin, functions and administrative aspects of this important institution. I have extensively worked with Ward Councilors and LLG reps in numerous studies and hence know the importance of this tier quite well. This is an important mechanism that every development project/program should tap into bring about better information flow into the community. An analysis of contribution of LLGs to the national/provincial economy and factors that determine the effectiveness and performance of this institution is well in order. The results of the study (proposed) can be the basis to bring about improvements to this institution.

Such a legacy for Bougainville, PNG, the Pacific and the world.

This study gives a strong picture of how polygamy is growing across Papua New Guinea, not just in the Highlands or rural areas, but now also in towns and coastal regions. The data shows that more women, young and old, educated and uneducated, are now in polygamous marriages. But while the numbers are important, we also need to look deeper at how this affects people’s lives, especially children and women. In many polygamous homes, children grow up in places where there is no peace. Mothers often fight or argue with each other or wth the husband, and this creates tension in the house. The father is usually busy with other wives or families, so he doesn’t spend enough time with each child. Because of this, children feel left out, confused, and sometimes unloved. They don’t get proper care or attention. Many children struggle in school because they are stressed or distracted. Some drop out early or don’t perform well. This kind of emotional pressure affects how they grow up and how they behave in society. For women, especially in the Highlands, polygamy brings even more danger. When a husband dies suddenly, people in the community often blame one of the wives. They say she used witchcraft or went to a sanguma man to win the husband’s love or to harm the other wives. These accusations are becoming more common now. Once a woman is blamed for sorcery, she can be tortured, beaten, chased out of the village, or even killed. Most times, it’s the women in polygamous marriages who get blamed because of jealousy and competition between co-wives. These accusations are not based on truth; they come from fear, gossip, and misunderstanding.

Hats off to a great lady. Thankyou for sharing her inspiring story.

A powerful and well written article Anna!

While the Church holds an important part for those who believe, it does isolate those citizens who aren't part of any churches. Case examples shown in PNG's #Marimari Documentary clearly indicated how segments of society in PNG who have allegedly followed a liberal religious groups and misinterpreting the true spirit of religion in a Christian sense. How can external donors totally support religious based organisations without balancing its act? In short, carry out a risk analysis and back your proposals with real data, not cooked up ones.

Well articulated, Nione Eliuta. It's a Catch 22 situation for Solomon Islands. You're absolutely 'OnPoint'. #PacificWay ought to prevail and not be bulldozed by external influences outside Oceania as in this instance. Each sovereign state in Oceania ought to be given the right to make a decision as to who each aligns with.

Thanks Anna, great to hear from your perspective how colonial structures disempowered women.

Great article, Niuone.

Thanks for reading this article.

Here’s hoping Anna! Stellar thoughts and words as ever Hapi Independens dei to all

There must be a clear line drawn between China's enemy in the region and our (PIF) enemy. And SI must make that clear demarcation; the region must not watch while China rewrites the Nuku'alofa Communique. To do so will not be in the interest of a greater peaceful Pacific.