The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) recently shared its community development model with women of the six Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture (WAGJV) landowner groups. OTDF highlighted how the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) Women and Children Associations in Western Province have utilized their 12% share of mining benefits to create sustainable projects for their communities. These funds, provided by Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML), are invested in initiatives that improve infrastructure, health, education, and economic development in the region.
The OTDF Business Model focusing on self-sustainability was presented as an option for the WGJV mine impacted communities, aiming to have similar success stories in their region. OTDF has helped the CMCA Women and Children Associations to leverage their financial resources into long-term community benefits designed to generate ongoing income for community programs even after the mine closure.
Presentations and discussions were well received, with local representatives expressing interest in further understanding and adopting the OTDF approach. This collaboration will pave a way for significant community-driven development as Wafi-Golpu begins its operations.
Ms. Charlotte Mathews, President of the Middle Fly Women & Children’s Association and the CMCA women’s representative on the OTDF Board, shared valuable insights to encourage the women from the WGJV landowner groups. Ms. Mathews emphasised the importance of being visible and vocal during project consultations, stating women are equally capable of contributing to the development of their communities, just as their male counterparts do. She shared the successes stories of the nine (9) CMCA Women and Children (WC) Associations, who made significant progress by wisely investing WC’s 12% share from the total 33% funds from OTML and advised Morobe women to adopt a similar approach to community development.
Woman representative from Women WGJV landowner group, present Ms. Charlotte Matthews with a bilum
Mr. Andrew Mari, OTDF’s Executive Manager of Program Services, complemented Mathews’ insights by presenting the CMCA women’s development story. He spoke highly about how the CMCA women had followed their five-year strategic development plan (2019-2024), focusing on addressing the key needs in their communities and translating those needs into tangible development projects. Mr. Mari’s presentation encouraged the Morobe women to adopt a similar strategic approach, to remain focused on the specific needs affecting their communities and work together towards sustainable projects for the future.