Women in Ministry in Papua New Guinea

ABM has supported the work of Rita Simeni for many years in her role as the Coordinator of the Women in Ministry (WIM) Program in Popondota Diocese, Papua New Guinea. In a strongly patriarchal culture, she has the challenge of giving women a voice within their society and the Anglican Church.

Education is a major part of this program, and Rita believes that “it opens the mind and motivates people to learn more to help people educate their own people.” Women are very much involved in the life of the Church, but they often lack training and education as men get priority. Giving them opportunities to learn new skills benefits not only the Church, but can also be applied to many other areas in their lives.

WIM offers training in literacy, teaching English and Tok Pisin as well as several local languages. Life skills such as cooking, sewing and micro-finance are taught alongside Bible study. HIV awareness, domestic violence and other social issues are also addressed. There is a special Widows and Orphans Project, and one for prisoners.

Rita sees the importance of nurturing women, to give them confidence, to enable them stand up for their rights and play a fuller role in the Church and community. Her dream is to see women one day being ordained as priests and bishops. In the meantime, she is working hard to help “women to grow in faith and in themselves as they work along with men and be responsible in every work they do.”

HOW CAN I DONATE?

You can make an online donation to this project by selecting Women in Ministry from the full project list.

Alternatively, for donations by cheque/money order (made out to the Anglican Board of Mission - Australia), telephone or email, view contact details here.

(Project information will be available soon.)