It is June, mid-2025, and in Bougainville, the perfume of an island air – perhaps some would take it as the morning breeze; yet, for the 97% of the population, it is hopeful news when they bathe in that fresh aroma. For the women and girls, they are like a bird on a lofty breeze, carried over the sky with ease on one wing. The third round of moderated talks between the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government on Bougainville’s issue of independence has commenced in Burnham, New Zealand. Among issues which remain outstanding are the timing for independence and the kind of relationship Bougainville and Papua New Guinea would eventually share when Bougainville is granted independence. Bougainville is embarking on a great adventure. It is an autonomous province with its own government. A referendum on independence supported by women in 2019 saw an overwhelming 97.7% vote in favour of political independence. A pending ratification of referendum results by the parliament of Papua New Guinea will determine the next step – either to accept or reject full independence. Back on the island, the question of what Bougainville can achieve as a new nation is one they are exploring when the ratification window opens, with moderated consultations. Their choices may depend on family or clan loyalty, allegiance to political parties, beliefs that they will benefit, or their feelings about political issues. But there are two important things they must not neglect: character and policy. It would be wise for Bougainvilleans to consider these qualities in leaders when casting their votes. Bougainville Women’s Federation’s dream is to see women and girls as equal partners in Bougainville’s development. This dream has a 50% possibility of being realised in Bougainville’s political space. Bougainville Women’s Federation (BWF) is advocating for more women to get into Bougainville’s parliament in this year’s 2025 Bougainville National Election. On the same note, over 120 young women have been supported to create new pathways to leadership for themselves through the Bougainville Women’s Federation Young Women Leadership Project. Bougainville Women’s Federation has helped women emerge in a post-crisis Bougainville through empowerment activities. Gender roles are part of a larger framework of social justice issues that the new nation to be must confront. Bougainville Women’s Federation advocates for greater women’s representation at all levels—from the community to the National Parliament—through its programs and services, both for mature and young women. There is a hopeful outlook for integrating gender equality in Bougainville, emphasising that both men and women have invaluable contributions to make in their families and communities. As Bougainville continues her search for lasting peace, the potential for transformation remains, fostering a community where peace thrives alongside respect, equality, and justice. Bougainville’s future is neither male nor female. It is united and flexible – like a bird, with Bougainville men on one wing and Bougainville women on the other. A future that ensures inclusion, equal opportunities, and the capabilities of every citizen, with a set of positive attitudes – the perfume of an island air. Bougainville Young Women Leadership and Empowerment ‘The way out’ Melvine Giobun was recruited as the Coordinator for the Young Women Leadership Program in 2022 with Bougainville Women’s Federation. This program aims to unite young women across Bougainville and the broader Pacific to share experiences, strengthen networks, and promote leadership on issues such as economic empowerment, peace, and security. In 2023, she shifted to her new role as National Hub Coordinator for the Shifting the Power Coalition. Melvine collaborates with the regional network of women-led organisations to enhance women’s leadership in humanitarian action and climate response. The coalition focuses on transforming gender relations by supporting women to lead in disaster risk reduction and resilience building, ensuring their voices are central in decision-making processes. Through her work with both BWF and Shifting the Power Coalition, she exemplifies a commitment to fostering inclusive leadership and empowering women and young women to be at the forefront of transformative change in their communities. Her dedication and commitment have elevated a leap ahead, as she is currently the acting Executive Officer for Bougainville Women’s Federation. Women can lead in business Florence Tomiets is a successful young woman entrepreneur from Malasang Village in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. Florence owns a retail shop business that started with a backyard cabbage nursery bed. Decision-making and business ventures are solely a male domain. This is what Florence used to think in her teenage years. Her thoughts shifted when she participated in the Bougainville Women’s Federation Young Women Leadership Program. Through this program, Florence was transformed from a reserved personality to a confident young woman, she learned finance management and agricultural skills that were translated into an operational business in 2019. “I see that young women can make changes in the community,” says Florence. “After the program, I knew I could be a leader who would advocate for women’s issues,” she added. Florence is confident she can lead her own initiatives and stand up as a voice for the women and girls in Bougainville. She believes that our life journey reflects determination and strategic growth for individuals. Florence is now contesting the North Bougainville Women’s Regional seat in the upcoming Bougainville election in July 2025. Finding her passion Florence Naina first engaged with Bougainville Women’s Federation and the Young Women’s Leadership Program during the initial research phase as a field researcher. Although she had already completed a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Papua New Guinea, this was her first time doing hands-on research. Working with Bougainville Women’s Federation, she realised the importance of women’s leadership and found a mentor in Barbara Tanne, the former Executive Officer and now the President of the Bougainville Women’s Federation. Florence decided that she wanted to be a part of the change. After completing the research, Florence assisted Bougainville Women’s Federation on a casual basis, first becoming an Assistant Project Officer for two projects, then a Finance Support Officer. This was her first exposure to finance. Florence has always been good at maths and enjoys working with numbers. Through her work at Bougainville Women’s Federation—although she didn’t have any background in finance—she discovered a passion for this work. Now it’s time to speak out and make sure those issues are addressed, rather than suffering in silence. “Those of us who can speak up, we need to speak up,” Florence said. She is now the Finance Manager for Nazareth Centre for Rehabilitation, and still plays a key role in supporting the Young Women’s Leadership in Bougainville. We are stronger together Henrietta Sinei is from Panguna District, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. She is married with one child. Henrietta became President of the Panguna Young Women’s Association after attending the Young Women Leadership Project (YWLP) training in Panguna. She is also the women’s secretary at the Village Assembly level and has just been elected to the Executive Committee of the Bougainville Women’s Federation. This is the first time a young woman has been elected to such a position. “The most important change that happened after the leadership training and Young Women Leadership Project is the unity among us young women,” Henrietta says. “Now, young women from different Village Assemblies work together and share ideas at our level. “We are now being involved in decision-making and representing our young women in the district. When attending on behalf of our young women, we are voicing and raising our concerns and issues to the next level. By observing and participating in the workshop and activities on advocacy, we have gained confidence and respect from mature women leaders and young women colleagues.” Henrietta says the training helped her recognise her potential and the importance of young women leaders at all levels of decision-making. “The training has given me confidence and a space as a young woman leader to explore and learn from mature women leaders. Also, the training has helped shape my life and provided a way forward for me,” she says. Henrietta works with Bougainville Partnership and runs her own business in Arawa. Proactive attitude and demonstrated eagerness, key to transformative life Angelica Posin is a promising young woman leader from Hangan Village in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. She completed her secondary education with a Grade 12 school certificate at Hutjena Secondary School in 2023. Her wish and desire to further her education at a tertiary institution did not eventuate due to financial constraints. Her time in the village saw her involvement and participation in the community’s organised youth programs and activities. Angelica’s proactive attitude and demonstrated eagerness to learn created positive impressions on the youth leaders, mentors, and community leaders. In 2024, she was privileged to be sponsored by Conciliation Resources to participate in a two-week peacebuilding training in Fiji. She learned about peacebuilding, conflict transformation, climate change and conflict, and women, peace, and security. Angelica describes her experience as a transformative change both in her personal and professional life. Angelica wants to create space for inclusive and sustainable peace. She looks forward to animating and amplifying women’s leadership at all levels of decision-making.