Narrative of a Woman Leader in Papua New Guinea (by Mary Fairio, November, 2012)
Dame Carol Kidu has travelled a remarkable journey from her suburban Australian home to live in the village of Pari in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, breaking the glass ceiling to becoming the first female opposition leader in Papua New Guinea from February to July 2012. Entering politics in 1997, she has since achieved remarkable policies focusing on the minorities- women, children, disabled and other minority ethnic groups while being the only female member in parliament for two consecutive terms heading the Ministry of Community Development. Early Life and Marriage
Born as Carol Millwater in Shorncliff, Queensland, Australia on October 10th 1948, Carol Kidu spent the first twenty years of her life there, raised in a lower middle class Australian family, where she described her family as “not poor, but we were not rich, they struggled to get us educated”[1]. She developed social conscious growing up because her parents created an environment towards having compassion for others and would emphasis that everyone was equal. Carol was sixteen and in grade 11 when she met and fell in love with Buri Kidu, a Papua New Guinean in 1969, at Tallebudgera Camp School on the Gold Coast. Buri Kidu was a school boy on a scholarship from the government of Papua New Guinea attending the Toowoomba Grammar School. During this time, cross-cultural and interracial relationship was not accepted, because white Australians were not ready to accept interracial relationships especially between white and black. She described one such moment, “as we walked the streets in Brisbane, I was aware that many people were staring. I was so proud to walk with Buri and was surprised when an elderly (white) man walked straight toward me, then spat at me with such hatred, 'You filthy woman"[2]. Despite much oppositional reactions, Carol and Buri were married in 1969 when she was twenty years old.
She left the comfort of her home and chose to live with Buri Kidu and his people in Pari village, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. It was hard as she struggles mentally, and physically through pains and perseverance, she slowly was able to adapt in a different culture which she would make her home for many years. Her relocation indicates her redefining of identity as she slowly fits into this society of very different culture and lifestyle from where she grew up. It was not easy, as she faced social and cultural obstacles, willing to live in a different culture where values and principles were traditional and men and women’s roles were defined differently, but she was able to overcome because her parents, in-laws and husband were understanding and supportive. Carol Kidu became a school teacher for 20 years and taught in Port Moresby and also wrote school text books while her husband became a lawyer. Her husband rose to become the first Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea, and was knighted on his appointment in 1980 by the Queen, and was bestowed with the title Sir and she was also recognized as Lady. She travelled with him and met important dignitaries from all over the world including the Pope, the Queen and Prince Charles. They had four children and adopted two others and raised her family according to her husband’s tribe tradition. She was widowed when her husband died of heart attack in 1994. Her reaction was anger towards the government at that time, because her husband was sacked unsympathetic to his championing of judicial independence. Despite, she did not go back to Australia, but decided to live among his people and visited settlements and spoke to people, both men and women. This humility and loyalty to the people won their support for her when she entered politics in 2007, mainly driven by her husband’s death.
Entering Politics
Carol Kidu entered politics because she felt the nation had been denied an outstanding person and what he stood for must not die, but her husband’s legacy to live on. Moreover, being idealistic, she believed in making a difference and stood for what her husband believed in, social justice, human rights, marginalized groups and related. When she entered politics, people especially the elite group thought she will not win because she is white, but she was confident she will win. The reason is because she was deeply entrenched in her husband’s society and being a widow of such a highly respectable man, Carol won easily as an independent candidate representing her family’s constituency, Moresby South, and became the first white woman ever to sit in the Parliament. From this experience, relationships has formed an important part of every election she stood, 2002 and again in 2007. Her husband has been the key person who had inspired her towards politics, and she still speaks of him today that his death has contributed towards her entering politics. On the other hand, her in-laws were supportive towards her intention to stand for election and they have always been every election. Despite her win in each election, she faced challenges during election. On one occasion in 2002, despite a racist campaign claiming she planned to steal public money and sent it back to Australia, she was declared and became the only woman in the 109-seat chamber, obtaining twice as much vote from previous election. She served a total of fifteen years in the parliament of Papua New Guinea mostly as Minister for Community Development (2002-2011) under the then Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and became Papua New Guinea’s first opposition leader from February 25 to July 2012, after the Supreme Court ruled that the Prime Minister was unconstitutional, and appointed Leader of the Opposition Peter O’Neil to be Prime Minister. Everyone moved to the government side leaving the opposition, and she decided to be neutral and made her intentions known to the speaker who recognized her as the opposition leader. At a National Council of Women’s reception after her appointment, she said her decision to take up the opposition leader’s seat was to restore credibility and confidence in the office of the Opposition Leader. The media, referred to her as ‘the Iron Lady of PNG politics’[3] while many acknowledged her brave move, as some attributed to her fermininity. During this time she was the leader of Melanesian Alliance Party.
Leadership Achievements
Significant outcome under the leadership of Dame Kidu included, acquiring a standing in the National Executive Council (NEC) where decisions in national resource distribution are administered and with this they have achieved the enactment of the new child protection legislation in PNG called the Pikinini Act 2007; also recognize community learning and workings on life-long learning policies as one of her priority area for children to access the right learning opportunities; thus, established community learning centers in the four regions of the country. While continue emphasis of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), churches and state partnership towards community development and one of the key areas is the fight against domestic violence and HIV and Aids, establishing a district AIDS Committee in her electorate. On the 9th October 2007, Dame Carol Kidu, presented ‘an anti-violence petition to parliament, signed by more than 4000 people overwhelmingly supported by women from all walks of life. This very act of public mobilizing against male-induced violence was an empowering experience as it brought attention to the plight of PNG women; but also promoted the idea of having well researched data will help PNG address all forms of violence against women. In August 2004, Lady Carol Kidi presented a submission to the national parliament to appoint three women representative to the national legislature. Her passion for women’s issues often people referred to her as the voice of Papua New Guinea women and an advocate for the poor and the unfortunate and through her progressive reputation she has built an increase momentum for women empowerment in Papua New Guinea, especially with her presence in parliament, as the only woman. Unwavering, Dame Carol has found a place in the hearts and minds of young people, women, and other like-minded citizens through the leadership qualities she has demonstrated.
Leadership Approach Lady Carol Kidu has been described that she demonstrated a combination of broad-based and consensual leadership that of a servant-leader nature[4], This is similar to transformational leadership style where the process of engagement is self evident, in that she engages the entire team or organization in a process that creates a shared vision, which inspires each person to stretch and reach deeper within himself or herself, and to use everyone’s unique talents in whatever way is necessary. One of the central characteristics of a servant-leader, as demonstrated in the leadership style of Dame Carol Kidu, is the persistence and personal resolve in maintaining one’s core values under trying circumstances. Dame Carol Kidu has exemplified this trait through her determination. Two aspects of her leadership reflect the quality of servant leader/ transformational leadership. Firstly, since her entry into the PNG national legislature in 1997, she has maintained a consistent level of personal integrity, a remarkable achievement in a male-dominated political system. Secondly, it is obvious from Dame Carol’s experience that, with a sense of purpose and a set of values that are firm under the pressure of working in a male-dominated arena, she has kept her mind focused on her mission which is highlighted in the national decision-making arena the importance of women issues and broader social issues in the country. Dame Carol Kidu has even recognized the benefits of working together in fostering these significant virtues of leadership, which much of this skill has been fine-tuned during the course of her time in the national legislature. Her style of leadership is also from a caring perspective given her leadership as the Minister for Community Development, and her engagement with the non-government organizations and churches to encourage more participation to address issues of minorities groups, women, children, disable and others. She is a policy driven leader given the legislative changes undertaken by her department. She also has exerted feminism leadership style, being vocal about women’s issues as the only representative of women’s voice in the male dominated parliament and pushing for equality of women. In her effort, she lobbied for votes for the 22 reserved seats for women and got the equality and participation bill passed in 2011, to be implemented in 2012 elections, however, the bill did not secure the two-thirds majority votes to amend the constitution to include the 22 reserved seats for women in parliament. In all her achievements and challenges, she can be described mostly has having communal leadership skill, which she always work around people, and less agentic, only use when necessary especially in the parliament to make her stand, and make known her presence to the male dominated parliament. Facing gender challenge, she has threaded a fine line in relation to her predominantly male colleagues whilst in the process, ensuring that she exercises her ‘moral authority in ways that do not allow her to be moved by the temptation of money and the corrupt politics that are obviously committed in the halls of power. Through the challenges, she is also mindful of the fact that she is a ‘white woman’ who may be accused of misrepresenting certain sections of the Papua New Guinea community, in that she recognizes the socio-cultural diversity of Papua New Guinea and of the representation role she plays as a political leader. She very much tends to keep ‘away from male politics’, not to be seen in any way as trying to be vicious or threatening to the status quo. Otherwise, in the all male parliament, being the only woman she does not back down especially when she decides if she was right, and someone was wrong. Such factors have helped her to develop her listening and understanding skills and constantly fine-tune her awareness and perception about the diversity of PNG, the environment she operates in. These sets of virtues, the have led her to commit herself to make sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being observed. And one of her commitment is towards those less fortunate than her within her immediate constituency and also at the national development level. As she commits to her demanding role and responsibilities at the national level and her constituency, her own responsibility towards her children has also taken its toll, as she tries to have it all, both at the private and public sphere. However she continues to show great resilience, juggling responsibilities of the state on one hand, and family matters on the other which extends to include meeting the customary obligations of the extended family (relatives and clans of her late husband). In her humbleness and perseverance, she was recognized for her role in politics, and made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in January 2005; she was unanimously voted the 2007 Person of the Year by the Islands Business magazine; awarded the US Department of State’s ‘International Award for Courage and Leadership’ in recognition of Dame Carol Kidu’s contribution to development in PNG; and in the same year, on February 13th 2007, Dame Carol Kidu was awarded France’s highest honor, the ‘Legion d’Honneur’ in recognition for her tireless efforts in the fight for human rights, especially for women and children and her dedication to helping women, young girls, children, the physically and mentally impaired and her commitment to fighting discrimination. Dame Carol has also received honorary doctorates from Vudal University (Madang, Papua New Guinea), University of Queensland (Australia) and the University of Papua New Guinea in recognition of her services to the people of Papua New Guinea. She is also a member to various Boards both in PNG and abroad- the Pacific representative on the Board of the Commonwealth of Learning; an international advisor on the Board of the Cairns Institute; member of the Global Commission on HIV and the Law; a member of Pacific Leaders Green Growth initiative; and in November 2012, appointed as a non resident Fellow of the Lowy Institute, in Australia. Dame Carol has broken the glass ceiling to be the first female opposition leader in the history of Papua New Guinea, showing a labyrinth leadership approach that she takes to not only one style of leadership but a combination of more than one, transformational, visionary, caring, and both communal and agentic. A remarkable journey indeed Dame Carol Kidu has travelled, redefining her identity and adjusting her life to fit into a very different society culturally and geographically and becoming the first white woman in parliament and the first female opposition leader as the media portrayed her ‘iron lady of PNG’. She has set the foundational work for justice, marginalized groups like women to be realized more in the political arena today compared to thirty years ago. Retired from politics at the age of 64, she was determined to move into the new realm, so she can achieve more from the outside and would like to be remembered as someone who was very concerned about policy development in the social sector and the community. She described her 15 years in politics as challenging, frustrating, but also rewarding in terms of some of the achievements. A social media face book page created by ‘Hearts of Change’ is lobbying support for Dame Carol Kidu for Governor General in 2016; and so far it has received 546 likes (at that time when I did this paper). She continues to support women‘s work after she left politics and opened her own children’s library. She is truly a role model to many in Papua New Guinea especially women.
End notes
[1] Clement Paligaru, “Dame Carol Kidu”, Australia Network: Pacific Pulse, June 8, 2011 ( accessed November 15, 2012)
[2] Kidu, 2001 ‘Remarkable journey’ 2002, 11, cited in Regis N Stella. “A Remarkable Journey” review of Remarkable Journey, by Lady Carol Kidu. The Contemporary Pacific 15.1 (2003) 221-223, (accessed November 20, 2012)
[3] Robert Ninkama. “I had nowhere else to go-Dame Carol”, News Limited Australia, February 24, 2012 (accessed November 30, 2012)
[4] Minnala and Karabu Palau Kaiku. “Tribute to Dame Carol Kidu – A Brief Biography” Balcony Perspective. January, 25, 2012 (accessed November 21, 2012)
References
Analysis, “Rebel love turns schoolgirl to Dame”, Manila Bulletin. August 25, 2007, accessed November 15, 2012.
AAP, “Dame Carol Kidu becomes PNG’S Opposition Leader”, The Australian, February 12, 2015, accessed November 15, 2012
ABC, “Oh Carol”, Australian Story, 2011, accessed November 15, 2012
Author Unknown “Dame Carol Kidu bows out as PNG opposition leader”, ABC Radio
Author Unknown, “Dame says it’s time to move on”, News Limited Australia, February 16, 2012, accessed November 30, 2012
Author Unknown “Dame Carol at Lowry Institute” News Limited Australia, June 28, 2012
Clement Paligaru, “Dame Carol Kidu”, Australia Network Pacific Pulse, June 8, 2011, accessed November 15, 2012.
Hearts of Change, “Dame Carol Kidu for Governor General”, face book, accessed December 8, 2012.
Jo Chandler, “PNG farewells a great dame” National Times Australia, May 16, 2012, Accessed November 15, 2012
John Watmelik, “We find true leader in Dame Carol”, News Limited Australia, March 1, 2012, accessed November 30, 2012.
Mhabello ,” Up close and Personal with Dame Carol Kidu” Mental Rumblings, November 12, 2012 accessed November 15, 2012
Mark Forbes, “How a Brisbane Girl become PNG’s first While MP” The Age, July 16, 2002, accessed November 20, 2012
Minnala and Karabu Palau Kaiku. “Tribute to Dame Carol Kidu – A Brief Biography” Balcony Perspective. January, 25, 2012 accessed November 21, 2012
Regis N Stella. “A Remarkable Journey” review of Remarkable Journey, by Lady Carol Kidu. The Contemporary Pacific 15.1 (2003) 221-223, accessed November 20, 2012.
Robert Ninkama. “I had nowhere else to go-Dame Carol”, News Limited Australia, February 24, 2012, accessed November 30, 2012
Samisoni Pareti ,“A fighter with a Difference – Dame Carol Kidu: Our 2007 Person of the Year”, Islands Business, 2007, accessed November 15, 2012
Wikipedia, “Carol Kidu”, accessed November 15, 2012
Dame Carol Kidu has travelled a remarkable journey from her suburban Australian home to live in the village of Pari in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, breaking the glass ceiling to becoming the first female opposition leader in Papua New Guinea from February to July 2012. Entering politics in 1997, she has since achieved remarkable policies focusing on the minorities- women, children, disabled and other minority ethnic groups while being the only female member in parliament for two consecutive terms heading the Ministry of Community Development. Early Life and Marriage
Born as Carol Millwater in Shorncliff, Queensland, Australia on October 10th 1948, Carol Kidu spent the first twenty years of her life there, raised in a lower middle class Australian family, where she described her family as “not poor, but we were not rich, they struggled to get us educated”[1]. She developed social conscious growing up because her parents created an environment towards having compassion for others and would emphasis that everyone was equal. Carol was sixteen and in grade 11 when she met and fell in love with Buri Kidu, a Papua New Guinean in 1969, at Tallebudgera Camp School on the Gold Coast. Buri Kidu was a school boy on a scholarship from the government of Papua New Guinea attending the Toowoomba Grammar School. During this time, cross-cultural and interracial relationship was not accepted, because white Australians were not ready to accept interracial relationships especially between white and black. She described one such moment, “as we walked the streets in Brisbane, I was aware that many people were staring. I was so proud to walk with Buri and was surprised when an elderly (white) man walked straight toward me, then spat at me with such hatred, 'You filthy woman"[2]. Despite much oppositional reactions, Carol and Buri were married in 1969 when she was twenty years old.
She left the comfort of her home and chose to live with Buri Kidu and his people in Pari village, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. It was hard as she struggles mentally, and physically through pains and perseverance, she slowly was able to adapt in a different culture which she would make her home for many years. Her relocation indicates her redefining of identity as she slowly fits into this society of very different culture and lifestyle from where she grew up. It was not easy, as she faced social and cultural obstacles, willing to live in a different culture where values and principles were traditional and men and women’s roles were defined differently, but she was able to overcome because her parents, in-laws and husband were understanding and supportive. Carol Kidu became a school teacher for 20 years and taught in Port Moresby and also wrote school text books while her husband became a lawyer. Her husband rose to become the first Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea, and was knighted on his appointment in 1980 by the Queen, and was bestowed with the title Sir and she was also recognized as Lady. She travelled with him and met important dignitaries from all over the world including the Pope, the Queen and Prince Charles. They had four children and adopted two others and raised her family according to her husband’s tribe tradition. She was widowed when her husband died of heart attack in 1994. Her reaction was anger towards the government at that time, because her husband was sacked unsympathetic to his championing of judicial independence. Despite, she did not go back to Australia, but decided to live among his people and visited settlements and spoke to people, both men and women. This humility and loyalty to the people won their support for her when she entered politics in 2007, mainly driven by her husband’s death.
Entering Politics
Carol Kidu entered politics because she felt the nation had been denied an outstanding person and what he stood for must not die, but her husband’s legacy to live on. Moreover, being idealistic, she believed in making a difference and stood for what her husband believed in, social justice, human rights, marginalized groups and related. When she entered politics, people especially the elite group thought she will not win because she is white, but she was confident she will win. The reason is because she was deeply entrenched in her husband’s society and being a widow of such a highly respectable man, Carol won easily as an independent candidate representing her family’s constituency, Moresby South, and became the first white woman ever to sit in the Parliament. From this experience, relationships has formed an important part of every election she stood, 2002 and again in 2007. Her husband has been the key person who had inspired her towards politics, and she still speaks of him today that his death has contributed towards her entering politics. On the other hand, her in-laws were supportive towards her intention to stand for election and they have always been every election. Despite her win in each election, she faced challenges during election. On one occasion in 2002, despite a racist campaign claiming she planned to steal public money and sent it back to Australia, she was declared and became the only woman in the 109-seat chamber, obtaining twice as much vote from previous election. She served a total of fifteen years in the parliament of Papua New Guinea mostly as Minister for Community Development (2002-2011) under the then Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and became Papua New Guinea’s first opposition leader from February 25 to July 2012, after the Supreme Court ruled that the Prime Minister was unconstitutional, and appointed Leader of the Opposition Peter O’Neil to be Prime Minister. Everyone moved to the government side leaving the opposition, and she decided to be neutral and made her intentions known to the speaker who recognized her as the opposition leader. At a National Council of Women’s reception after her appointment, she said her decision to take up the opposition leader’s seat was to restore credibility and confidence in the office of the Opposition Leader. The media, referred to her as ‘the Iron Lady of PNG politics’[3] while many acknowledged her brave move, as some attributed to her fermininity. During this time she was the leader of Melanesian Alliance Party.
Leadership Achievements
Significant outcome under the leadership of Dame Kidu included, acquiring a standing in the National Executive Council (NEC) where decisions in national resource distribution are administered and with this they have achieved the enactment of the new child protection legislation in PNG called the Pikinini Act 2007; also recognize community learning and workings on life-long learning policies as one of her priority area for children to access the right learning opportunities; thus, established community learning centers in the four regions of the country. While continue emphasis of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), churches and state partnership towards community development and one of the key areas is the fight against domestic violence and HIV and Aids, establishing a district AIDS Committee in her electorate. On the 9th October 2007, Dame Carol Kidu, presented ‘an anti-violence petition to parliament, signed by more than 4000 people overwhelmingly supported by women from all walks of life. This very act of public mobilizing against male-induced violence was an empowering experience as it brought attention to the plight of PNG women; but also promoted the idea of having well researched data will help PNG address all forms of violence against women. In August 2004, Lady Carol Kidi presented a submission to the national parliament to appoint three women representative to the national legislature. Her passion for women’s issues often people referred to her as the voice of Papua New Guinea women and an advocate for the poor and the unfortunate and through her progressive reputation she has built an increase momentum for women empowerment in Papua New Guinea, especially with her presence in parliament, as the only woman. Unwavering, Dame Carol has found a place in the hearts and minds of young people, women, and other like-minded citizens through the leadership qualities she has demonstrated.
Leadership Approach Lady Carol Kidu has been described that she demonstrated a combination of broad-based and consensual leadership that of a servant-leader nature[4], This is similar to transformational leadership style where the process of engagement is self evident, in that she engages the entire team or organization in a process that creates a shared vision, which inspires each person to stretch and reach deeper within himself or herself, and to use everyone’s unique talents in whatever way is necessary. One of the central characteristics of a servant-leader, as demonstrated in the leadership style of Dame Carol Kidu, is the persistence and personal resolve in maintaining one’s core values under trying circumstances. Dame Carol Kidu has exemplified this trait through her determination. Two aspects of her leadership reflect the quality of servant leader/ transformational leadership. Firstly, since her entry into the PNG national legislature in 1997, she has maintained a consistent level of personal integrity, a remarkable achievement in a male-dominated political system. Secondly, it is obvious from Dame Carol’s experience that, with a sense of purpose and a set of values that are firm under the pressure of working in a male-dominated arena, she has kept her mind focused on her mission which is highlighted in the national decision-making arena the importance of women issues and broader social issues in the country. Dame Carol Kidu has even recognized the benefits of working together in fostering these significant virtues of leadership, which much of this skill has been fine-tuned during the course of her time in the national legislature. Her style of leadership is also from a caring perspective given her leadership as the Minister for Community Development, and her engagement with the non-government organizations and churches to encourage more participation to address issues of minorities groups, women, children, disable and others. She is a policy driven leader given the legislative changes undertaken by her department. She also has exerted feminism leadership style, being vocal about women’s issues as the only representative of women’s voice in the male dominated parliament and pushing for equality of women. In her effort, she lobbied for votes for the 22 reserved seats for women and got the equality and participation bill passed in 2011, to be implemented in 2012 elections, however, the bill did not secure the two-thirds majority votes to amend the constitution to include the 22 reserved seats for women in parliament. In all her achievements and challenges, she can be described mostly has having communal leadership skill, which she always work around people, and less agentic, only use when necessary especially in the parliament to make her stand, and make known her presence to the male dominated parliament. Facing gender challenge, she has threaded a fine line in relation to her predominantly male colleagues whilst in the process, ensuring that she exercises her ‘moral authority in ways that do not allow her to be moved by the temptation of money and the corrupt politics that are obviously committed in the halls of power. Through the challenges, she is also mindful of the fact that she is a ‘white woman’ who may be accused of misrepresenting certain sections of the Papua New Guinea community, in that she recognizes the socio-cultural diversity of Papua New Guinea and of the representation role she plays as a political leader. She very much tends to keep ‘away from male politics’, not to be seen in any way as trying to be vicious or threatening to the status quo. Otherwise, in the all male parliament, being the only woman she does not back down especially when she decides if she was right, and someone was wrong. Such factors have helped her to develop her listening and understanding skills and constantly fine-tune her awareness and perception about the diversity of PNG, the environment she operates in. These sets of virtues, the have led her to commit herself to make sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being observed. And one of her commitment is towards those less fortunate than her within her immediate constituency and also at the national development level. As she commits to her demanding role and responsibilities at the national level and her constituency, her own responsibility towards her children has also taken its toll, as she tries to have it all, both at the private and public sphere. However she continues to show great resilience, juggling responsibilities of the state on one hand, and family matters on the other which extends to include meeting the customary obligations of the extended family (relatives and clans of her late husband). In her humbleness and perseverance, she was recognized for her role in politics, and made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in January 2005; she was unanimously voted the 2007 Person of the Year by the Islands Business magazine; awarded the US Department of State’s ‘International Award for Courage and Leadership’ in recognition of Dame Carol Kidu’s contribution to development in PNG; and in the same year, on February 13th 2007, Dame Carol Kidu was awarded France’s highest honor, the ‘Legion d’Honneur’ in recognition for her tireless efforts in the fight for human rights, especially for women and children and her dedication to helping women, young girls, children, the physically and mentally impaired and her commitment to fighting discrimination. Dame Carol has also received honorary doctorates from Vudal University (Madang, Papua New Guinea), University of Queensland (Australia) and the University of Papua New Guinea in recognition of her services to the people of Papua New Guinea. She is also a member to various Boards both in PNG and abroad- the Pacific representative on the Board of the Commonwealth of Learning; an international advisor on the Board of the Cairns Institute; member of the Global Commission on HIV and the Law; a member of Pacific Leaders Green Growth initiative; and in November 2012, appointed as a non resident Fellow of the Lowy Institute, in Australia. Dame Carol has broken the glass ceiling to be the first female opposition leader in the history of Papua New Guinea, showing a labyrinth leadership approach that she takes to not only one style of leadership but a combination of more than one, transformational, visionary, caring, and both communal and agentic. A remarkable journey indeed Dame Carol Kidu has travelled, redefining her identity and adjusting her life to fit into a very different society culturally and geographically and becoming the first white woman in parliament and the first female opposition leader as the media portrayed her ‘iron lady of PNG’. She has set the foundational work for justice, marginalized groups like women to be realized more in the political arena today compared to thirty years ago. Retired from politics at the age of 64, she was determined to move into the new realm, so she can achieve more from the outside and would like to be remembered as someone who was very concerned about policy development in the social sector and the community. She described her 15 years in politics as challenging, frustrating, but also rewarding in terms of some of the achievements. A social media face book page created by ‘Hearts of Change’ is lobbying support for Dame Carol Kidu for Governor General in 2016; and so far it has received 546 likes (at that time when I did this paper). She continues to support women‘s work after she left politics and opened her own children’s library. She is truly a role model to many in Papua New Guinea especially women.
End notes
[1] Clement Paligaru, “Dame Carol Kidu”, Australia Network: Pacific Pulse, June 8, 2011 ( accessed November 15, 2012)
[2] Kidu, 2001 ‘Remarkable journey’ 2002, 11, cited in Regis N Stella. “A Remarkable Journey” review of Remarkable Journey, by Lady Carol Kidu. The Contemporary Pacific 15.1 (2003) 221-223, (accessed November 20, 2012)
[3] Robert Ninkama. “I had nowhere else to go-Dame Carol”, News Limited Australia, February 24, 2012 (accessed November 30, 2012)
[4] Minnala and Karabu Palau Kaiku. “Tribute to Dame Carol Kidu – A Brief Biography” Balcony Perspective. January, 25, 2012 (accessed November 21, 2012)
References
Analysis, “Rebel love turns schoolgirl to Dame”, Manila Bulletin. August 25, 2007, accessed November 15, 2012.
AAP, “Dame Carol Kidu becomes PNG’S Opposition Leader”, The Australian, February 12, 2015, accessed November 15, 2012
ABC, “Oh Carol”, Australian Story, 2011, accessed November 15, 2012
Author Unknown “Dame Carol Kidu bows out as PNG opposition leader”, ABC Radio
Author Unknown, “Dame says it’s time to move on”, News Limited Australia, February 16, 2012, accessed November 30, 2012
Author Unknown “Dame Carol at Lowry Institute” News Limited Australia, June 28, 2012
Clement Paligaru, “Dame Carol Kidu”, Australia Network Pacific Pulse, June 8, 2011, accessed November 15, 2012.
Hearts of Change, “Dame Carol Kidu for Governor General”, face book, accessed December 8, 2012.
Jo Chandler, “PNG farewells a great dame” National Times Australia, May 16, 2012, Accessed November 15, 2012
John Watmelik, “We find true leader in Dame Carol”, News Limited Australia, March 1, 2012, accessed November 30, 2012.
Mhabello ,” Up close and Personal with Dame Carol Kidu” Mental Rumblings, November 12, 2012 accessed November 15, 2012
Mark Forbes, “How a Brisbane Girl become PNG’s first While MP” The Age, July 16, 2002, accessed November 20, 2012
Minnala and Karabu Palau Kaiku. “Tribute to Dame Carol Kidu – A Brief Biography” Balcony Perspective. January, 25, 2012 accessed November 21, 2012
Regis N Stella. “A Remarkable Journey” review of Remarkable Journey, by Lady Carol Kidu. The Contemporary Pacific 15.1 (2003) 221-223, accessed November 20, 2012.
Robert Ninkama. “I had nowhere else to go-Dame Carol”, News Limited Australia, February 24, 2012, accessed November 30, 2012
Samisoni Pareti ,“A fighter with a Difference – Dame Carol Kidu: Our 2007 Person of the Year”, Islands Business, 2007, accessed November 15, 2012
Wikipedia, “Carol Kidu”, accessed November 15, 2012
Wedding of Carol to Buri Kidu in 1969, Australia
Dame Carol Kidu was a strong advocator for the 22 reserved seats for women in parliament 2009-2012
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