On the eve of Repentance Day in PNG, 26th August 2022, a Christian Women’s Magazine was launched, appropriately titled “EVE’’.
It had been in the making about five years ago, at a time when a lot of violence against women was being reported in the media; sadly the violence is rampant today, particularly sorcery related violence against women in PNG. The latest in July, four women killed in Enga province while five sustained serious injuries. They were accused of sorcery and causing the death of a well-known businessman.
Eve Magazine is founded by Priscilla Raepom and Imelda Griffin. Priscilla Raepom currently works at the National Parliament. She was the founding editor for Newagewoman, PNG’s first Women’s Magazine launched in 2000. While Imelda Griffin is a Communications Specialist. Both women decided that a women’s magazine will give voice to the womenfolk to inspire and equip them and give hope through Christian principles and belief. They launched their publication on Thursday August 25 at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby. The breakfast meeting was effectively titled, Breakfast with a Lady and the theme, ‘’Transforming a Nation through Women Leaders.
In reference to the breakfast’s theme, Guest speaker, Lady Emeline Dadae, the spouse of Governor General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae said, “transforming a nation through women leaders was not only thought provoking but timely as well, at an age where PNG is going through its own transformation politically, socially and from unique cultures to one that is embracing the modern way of life.” She also paid tribute to the two newly elected women in Parliament, Rufina Peter, Governor for Central Province and Kessy Sawang the Member for Rai Coast.
Four esteemed women leaders with shared Christian values made up the panel at the breakfast meeting.
There was Lesieli Taviri, known for her many leadership roles in the corporate sector, she is currently the Executive General Manager for Kina Bank, however, she credits her most important role to that of being a Sunday School teacher in her local church and quoted a bible verse ‘teach your child how they should live and they will never depart from it.’
Another panelist, Ruth Kisam Tindiwi is recognized for her work in Sorcery Related Violence against women in PNG, her tireless efforts are also recognized globally. While it is stressful and challenging knowing the statistics of women being tortured and murdered and children sexually assaulted, Ruth draws her strength from God. She says, a personal relationship with God will cost you time and rearranges your focus.
“It’s either the world or the word, we as leaders are competing against a world that is relentless to destroy the lives of young people and women but when there is so much darkness, there is grace, “she said.
Esther Igo the 3rd Panelist contested the Wewak Open Seat in the 2017 National General Election. She is a Strategist Advisor and sits on various boards and brings perspective of women to candidates who want to represent women in Parliament. When asked to name a woman she looked up to in the bible, Esther said, ‘’Ave Maria’, she bore a leader.”
The final panelist, Imelda Griffin is a communications specialist and one of the founders of Eve Magazine, when asked why the name ‘EVE’, Imelda said, it all goes back to the bible, the blue print of why a woman was created. She is also inspired by the story of Miriam in the Bible who she said is the strategic thinker, a teenage girl that brought redemption to a people nation, the Israelites.
The women captivated the audience with their messages of transformation and hope for more women leaders to rise up and address issues affecting them.
The Christian Women’s Magazine is a quarterly publication with a limited edition released on the 25th of August 2022. If you are interested in a copy, you can subscribe via email evemag.png@gmail.com or go the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/EVEmagazine.
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