On June 20 2015 at the St. Joseph’s Church
Parish Hall, Boroko in Port Moresby the Papua New Guinea Women’s Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (PNGWCCI), the country’s first and only women’s chamber
of commerce, held its first annual general meeting, which was highlighted by
the chamber’s first-ever leadership election. Voting was an exclusive privilege
of the members of PNGWCCI.
By resounding margins, Avia Koisen
and Susil Nelson-Kongoi were elected by their fellow chamber members as
President and Vice President, respectively. Margaret Aila was elected
Secretary, Mary Abau was elected Treasurer, and Loi Vele was elected as
Informal Economy Officer.
PNGWCCI works to empower and
strengthen women entrepreneurs and leaders by building capacity, creating
business networks, advocating innovatively and training members to build
stronger businesses. “This chamber is here to stay,” vows Avia
Koisen, “and we will work as long as it takes to improve public policy on
behalf of our members.”
