The PNG Women in Agriculture (WiA) Development Foundation is hosting its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the National Agriculture Research Institute in Morobe Province.
The meeting is supported by the National Agriculture Research Institute and the Pacific Islands Farmers Organisation Network.
The AGM follows the untimely passing of late President and Founder, Mrs Maria Linibi in June this year.
Among the agendas for the two days meeting includes the election of the new executives and reviewing the organisations Constitution.
The AGM was opened today by Director General of NARI Dr. Nelson Simbiken who encouraged the participants to elevate the organisation and align its goals with the National Agriculture Sector Plan, advancing from subsistence farming to commercialisation.
“With its network of women in the rural areas, PNG Women in Agriculture is in a strategic position to empower women right at the primary school level into adulthood.
“Empowering women, allows advancement in all sectors of social and economic development, directly impacting a community.
“NARI has supported Women In Agriculture since its inception in 2007 and will continue with this support, especially providing an office space in all NARI Centres throughout the country,” Dr. Simbiken said.
Australian High Commission representative Rubie Yamuna encouraged the participants to embrace partnerships and work together.
She said PNGWiA must take advantage of NARI’s support through the regional Centres and prepare to partner with donor agencies.
Participants at the AGM are registered members of PNG Women In Agriculture from across the country.
Vice President of PNGWiA, Jacinta Berra acknowledged NARI for facilitating the AGM and called on the participants to embrace this opportunity for change and advancement.
The AGM also paid respect to the late founding President Mrs Linibi who played a major role in bridging many women and youth farmer groups to external assistance.
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