First-time participants at the 9th Papua New Guinea Defence Force Biennial Military Wives Convention say the event has given them confidence, direction and a stronger sense of support within the military community.
For Ruth Wual, from Goldie River Barracks’ Long-Range Unit under the Special Forces, the convention has been a valuable learning experience and a platform where women’s voices are being heard.
Ruth said attending the week-long gathering for the first time allowed her to connect with military wives from different units and better understand shared challenges.
“Women’s voices are plentiful, especially when men also come out and support. It is a good thing this convention came up because it gives us a chance to speak and be heard,” she said.
She said one of the key challenges she faces as a young military wife is expressing herself within the system, but the convention has encouraged her to be more confident and open.
Ruth also acknowledged the difficulty of dealing with deployments, where husbands are away for long periods.
“To be honest, I don’t like it, but I think I will get used to it,” she said.
Despite the challenges, she encouraged more young women to join military wives’ activities and build stronger support networks.
“Encouraging more young girls to come out and join is important. When issues come up, we can help each other and find solutions together,” she said.
Another first-time attendee, Merolyn Yadomwalu from the hosting unit at Force Support Battalion (FSB), Murray Barracks, said the convention has been life changing as it provided her with access to information and support systems she previously did not know existed.
Living inside the barracks, Merolyn said she was grateful to finally understand where to seek help when challenges arise.
“I am happy to have this convention because I don’t know where to seek information if anything happens to me, my children or my husband. Now I know there is a support system I can run to,” she said.
Merolyn said the convention has strengthened her faith and personal resilience, adding that she plans to take what she has learned back to other mothers who were unable to attend.
She encouraged other military wives to come forward and participate in similar gatherings, saying experience shared by older wives is valuable guidance for younger women.
“We need to come together and learn from mothers who have been in the system. They already have experience, and they can guide us when things come up in the barracks life,” she said.
Merolyn also highlighted the importance of social connection between wives from different barracks, saying the convention helps build relationships that can support families if members are later transferred.
“Sometimes our husbands get posted to different barracks, so meeting other wives helps us know people and build support wherever we go,” she said.
Both women agreed that the convention has created a stronger sense of unity, encouragement and awareness among military wives, especially for younger participants navigating life in the Defence Force community.
