Explain this two in more.

Question

Evaluation: While policies such as the PNG Development Strategic Plan (PNGDSP) 2030 and the National Population Policy 2015-2024 set ambitious targets to improve gender equality in employment, their execution appears half-hearted. The contrasting stance of MTDP III, which lacks a strong emphasis on gender-related challenges, could signify a regression or dilution of previously established commitments.

Evidence: Data indicating that women’s employment often skews towards informal sectors a whopping three times more likely than men further underscores the need for legislative reforms. Reports from the UNDP reveal how gender-based employment disparities inhibit overall economic improvement, emphasizing the urgency of inclusive economic policies.

Answer 1

Evaluation

The evaluation highlights the disparity between the ambitious goals outlined in policies like the PNG Development Strategic Plan (PNGDSP) 2030 and the National Population Policy (2015-2024) for enhancing gender equality in the workforce, and their actual implementation. While these policies set high expectations for improving the status and opportunities for women in employment, the critique suggests that the efforts to realize these goals are insufficient or lack robust commitment. This is perceived as a half-hearted execution, indicating that while the ambitions exist on paper, the reality of implementation falls short.

In contrast, the Medium Term Development Plan III (MTDP III) appears to neglect gender-related issues altogether, signaling a potential regression in progress made regarding gender equality. The lack of focus on gender challenges in this plan suggests a weakening of previously stated commitments to address these important issues. This shift may not only stall progress but could also undermine the foundational work laid out in earlier policies aimed at improving gender equality.

Evidence

The evidence presented underscores the serious issues surrounding women's employment in Papua New Guinea (PNG), illustrating that women are disproportionately overrepresented in informal sectors compared to men, being three times more likely to be found in such employment. This statistic highlights systemic barriers that women face in accessing formal job opportunities, which typically offer better wages, benefits, and job security. The reliance on informal employment can perpetuate cycles of poverty and limit women's economic mobility.

Furthermore, reports from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) emphasize that these gender-based disparities in employment do not only disadvantage women individually; they also hinder broader economic growth and development for the country. When women are unable to participate equally in the workforce, the economy misses out on the full potential of its population to contribute to growth and innovation. The urgency for legislative reforms is critical, as inclusive economic policies that promote gender equality in employment would not only empower women but also lead to a more robust and resilient economy for PNG as a whole.