ABOUT
US
MISSION & HISTORY.
The women of Bougainville played a leading role in the peacebuilding and reconciliation process that led to the end of the Bougainville Crisis (1988-1997). They continued this role through the implementatoin of the Bougainville Peace Agreement (2001) and the inauguration of the first Autonomous Bougainville Government (2005). From this base of strength,
the minister for Community Development, Magdaline Toroamsi, helped organize a forum for all women leaders of Bougainville. This formed the basis for the Bougainville Women's Federation (BWF) which was born in 2006 and offcially registered in 2012.
From 2012 BWF BWF focused on empowering women leaders of Bougainville, supporting the Autonomous Bougaiville Government (ABG) with the peace and reconsiliation process, and helping women emerge form the cirisis through empowerment activities throughout Bouganiville.
BWF played a key role in the 2019 referendum on Bougainville's future political status, when 97.7 per cent of Bougainvillea voters chose independence from Papua New Guinea over greater autonomy for the region. BWF worked to help all women understand the process and importance of the referendum as well as to fight for greater women representation at all levels, from the community to the national parliment.
In 2020, the Bougainville Women's Federation Act was passed by the ABG House of Representatives, establishing BWF as the peak non-governmental organisation representing the interests of women and women's oraganisations in Bougainville.
OUR VISION: Women and girls are equal partners in Bougainville
OUR MISSION: Bougainville Women's Federation will:
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Serve as the peak representative body for the women of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville
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Work for the empowerment of women, ensuring the women's voices are heard ar all levels of decision-making.
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Exercise influence in all matters concerning gender equality and the participation of women in Bouganville's development.
OUR VALUES: Human dignity and respect. Christian principles and cultural traditions. We are committed to inclusivity and diversity, regardless of age, disability, status or background.
"Bougainville's future is like a bird, with women as one wing.
With women's equal participation, the bird will fly high and far"
BWF is governed by its Executive Counsel which consistents of the three Regional Vice Presidents, the President, the Executive Officer, the Treasurer, and a Young Women representative. The Executive Counsel oversees the regional and district federations, provides strategic guidance. and ensures that BWF is aligned with its mission and vision.
The head office is located within the main market in Buka Town.
The office includes the Secretariat, EO, Admin and other program staff.
The head office runs ints national programs, coordinates with the ABG, trains and empowers district and young women leaders, and runs programs in coordination with our partners. You can meet the team - here.
Each district has its own executives. This generally includes a President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The district presidents work with women at the community government level and they approve all membership applications in their district.
BWF has two annual general meetings each year and one congress every three years where leaders are elected. The AGMs are open to all BWF leadership including district presidents, regional vice presidents. The National Congress is open to all affiliated BWF members. During the Naitonal Congress, new leaders are voted in. Meet our current leadership - here.
In order to become a BWF member, a group of no less than ten women must be formed which has a focus on women's issues. Membership applications are approved by the district leaders. Membership fees are collected on the district level and manged by the district office to run their programs.
STRUCTURE & MEMBERSHIP.
WHAT WE DO.
OUR PARTNERS.
