title: What are the views and experiences of daily life for women living with visible, physical disabilities in Papua New Guinea?

authors: Yenas, Alice Mona

subjects: views and experiences

abstract: Papua New Guinea (PNG) developed its National Policy for Disability (NPD) in 2005. The NPD aims to remove barriers that hinder the right of people with disabilities to live a life that is no different to able bodied people in PNG. This policy also reflects PNG‘s commitment to the ratification on the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) (United Nations, 2006). This study examines the views and experiences of women living with disabilities in rural PNG. This is the first time these narratives have been gathered for research purposes. This study adopts a qualitative approach and used the three theoretical underpinnings of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach─ phenomenology, hermeneutics and idiography─ to develop the research methodology and method. Semi-structured individual interviews from five women with visible, physical disabilities in rural PNG were used to gather narratives about their daily lives. The interviews were transcribed in Tok Pisin, translated to English, and five narratives were developed from the scripts, to capture the voices of the participants about their lives and concerns. Key findings from these narratives indicate that both the socio-cultural practices and the physical environment substantially influence the women‘s level of involvement in their communities. The narratives also revealed that the women‘s daily lives are strongly influenced by how non-disabled perceive disability and disabled people in PNG. These influences include negative self-perceptions, discrimination, marginalisation and being disadvantaged in their communities. It is suggested that current policies and practices that relate to women and people with disabilities should include programmes that raise awareness at the community level about inclusive practices and strengthen social participation and empowerment activities and programmes for women with disabilities at community levels.

text: What are the views and experiences of daily life for women living with visible, physical disabilities in Papua New Guinea? Papua New Guinea (PNG) developed its National Policy for Disability (NPD) in 2005. The NPD aims to remove barriers that hinder the right of people with disabilities to live a life that is no different to able bodied people in PNG. This policy also reflects PNG‘s commitment to the ratification on the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) (United Nations, 2006). This study examines the views and experiences of women living with disabilities in rural PNG. This is the first time these narratives have been gathered for research purposes. This study adopts a qualitative approach and used the three theoretical underpinnings of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach─ phenomenology, hermeneutics and idiography─ to develop the research methodology and method. Semi-structured individual interviews from five women with visible, physical disabilities in rural PNG were used to gather narratives about their daily lives. The interviews were transcribed in Tok Pisin, translated to English, and five narratives were developed from the scripts, to capture the voices of the participants about their lives and concerns. Key findings from these narratives indicate that both the socio-cultural practices and the physical environment substantially influence the women‘s level of involvement in their communities. The narratives also revealed that the women‘s daily lives are strongly influenced by how non-disabled perceive disability and disabled people in PNG. These influences include negative self-perceptions, discrimination, marginalisation and being disadvantaged in their communities. It is suggested that current policies and practices that relate to women and people with disabilities should include programmes that raise awareness at the community level about inclusive practices and strengthen social participation and empowerment activities and programmes for women with disabilities at community levels.

year: 2019

title: Book review: “England's First Family of Writers” and “Percy Bysshe Shelley: A Biography”

authors: Weston, Rowland

subjects: review

abstract: This article reviews the books: “England's First Family of Writers” and “Percy Bysshe Shelley: A Biography”

text: Book review: “England's First Family of Writers” and “Percy Bysshe Shelley: A Biography” This article reviews the books: “England's First Family of Writers” and “Percy Bysshe Shelley: A Biography”

year: 2010

title: Ngā wāhine ariki tapairu o Te Arawa: Te Kuraimonoa, Kearoa, Whakaotirangi

authors: Retikaukau, Georgia-Louise

subjects: Te Arawa

abstract: Similar to many other iwi (tribes) in Aotearoa, the Arawa people have a rich ancestral heritage that traces back to our origins in Hawaiki through our esteemed canoe traditions. However, within these narratives, the prominence of our heroic male ancestors tends to overshadow the stories of their wives, who are often mentioned merely as secondary characters. Te Kuraimonoa, Kearoa, and Whakaotirangi represent the first three women to be named in Te Arawa traditions, yet their narratives remain vague, existing only from a male perspective. Although their names can be found scattered throughout European and Māori literature, their stories are fragmented and incomplete, varying from tribe to tribe.

The objective of this research is to delve into these three ancestresses' lives from a Te Arawa female perspective, aiming to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding. Employing a mixed-method research approach, this study will investigate Māori and European literature, supplemented by thematical analysis to study and compare data gathered from interviews with female Te Arawa descendants. The insights gained from this endeavour will contribute to the creation of substantial knowledge that can benefit both present and future generations.

Comprising of seven chapters, this thesis unfolds as follows: Chapter one introduces the research purpose and provides an overview of the subsequent chapters. Chapter two outlines the research methodology employed. Chapter three presents an in-depth exploration of Te Arawa iwi, elucidating their significance and cultural context. Chapter four encompasses a comprehensive literature review, while chapter five is solely dedicated to the insights derived from the interview dialogues. Chapter six delves into the findings and engages in detailed discussions, offering a comprehensive analysis. Lastly, chapter seven serves as the conclusion, summarizing the key findings and their implications.

text: Ngā wāhine ariki tapairu o Te Arawa: Te Kuraimonoa, Kearoa, Whakaotirangi Similar to many other iwi (tribes) in Aotearoa, the Arawa people have a rich ancestral heritage that traces back to our origins in Hawaiki through our esteemed canoe traditions. However, within these narratives, the prominence of our heroic male ancestors tends to overshadow the stories of their wives, who are often mentioned merely as secondary characters. Te Kuraimonoa, Kearoa, and Whakaotirangi represent the first three women to be named in Te Arawa traditions, yet their narratives remain vague, existing only from a male perspective. Although their names can be found scattered throughout European and Māori literature, their stories are fragmented and incomplete, varying from tribe to tribe.

The objective of this research is to delve into these three ancestresses' lives from a Te Arawa female perspective, aiming to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding. Employing a mixed-method research approach, this study will investigate Māori and European literature, supplemented by thematical analysis to study and compare data gathered from interviews with female Te Arawa descendants. The insights gained from this endeavour will contribute to the creation of substantial knowledge that can benefit both present and future generations.

Comprising of seven chapters, this thesis unfolds as follows: Chapter one introduces the research purpose and provides an overview of the subsequent chapters. Chapter two outlines the research methodology employed. Chapter three presents an in-depth exploration of Te Arawa iwi, elucidating their significance and cultural context. Chapter four encompasses a comprehensive literature review, while chapter five is solely dedicated to the insights derived from the interview dialogues. Chapter six delves into the findings and engages in detailed discussions, offering a comprehensive analysis. Lastly, chapter seven serves as the conclusion, summarizing the key findings and their implications.

year: 2023