Bougainville Women Federation Plans Upcoming AGMs and Congress

BWF Executive Council with Key Stakeholders convened at the IFES Office in Hahela for its first meeting of the Congress working Committee members discussed crucial preparations for the Regional Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and Congress. Chaired by Stanley Pakita from ABG’s Community Development Department, the meeting was attended by several key members from Bougainville Partnership , ABG’s Departments of Community Development, Department of Justice, Police and Legal Services and UN Women including BWF President Barbara Tanne and Executive Officer, Nancy Warkia.

The primary focus of the meeting was to strategize the logistics and roles for the AGMs and the Congress, tentatively scheduled from October 30 to November 1, 2024. President Tanne highlighted that the BWF Executive Council has mandated that regional AGMs will coincide with the Congress, ensuring a cohesive gathering for discussion and planning.

A tentative agenda was laid out, with the first day dedicated to regional AGMs, the second day set aside for forums where stakeholders and partners can present their work, and the final day reserved for the Congress itself. Tanne emphasized the importance of conducting district AGMs prior to the Congress, noting that so far, only Buka, Selau/Suir, Kunua, and Buin and Torokina Districts and have held their AGMs,

Financial considerations were also addressed, with K10,000 from the ABG Grant allocated to support the remaining district AGMs. However, the committee acknowledged delays in the AGMs, initially planned for June and August, due to funding issues.

A new deadline of October 11, 2024, was established for all district AGMs to be completed, allowing three weeks before the Congress. The committee also discussed the necessity of adapting the schedule depending on the completion of these AGMs.

Significant decisions made during the meeting included:

- Setting the new Congress dates from October 30 to November 1, 2024.

- Drafting invitations and the program by October 7, with dissemination by October 9.

- Collecting quotations for venue, transport, and catering by October 11.

- Coordinating with Regional Coordinators and District Community Development Officers (DCDOs) to ensure all district AGMs are conducted by October 15.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to collaborative action, assigning various tasks to members and scheduling the next meeting for October 16, 2024, at the Bougainville Partnership Office.

As the Bougainville Women Federation gears up for these significant events, there is a renewed sense of purpose and anticipation among its members, with the aim of enhancing women's leadership and community engagement throughout the region.