Social justice advocate receives honorary doctorate
Dame Carol Kidu, BDE, MP, received the award in recognition of her contribution to social development and women`s rights. She also delivered the guest speech at the ceremony, which can be downloaded here.
She said the award had completed an unfinished part of her life.
"In 1966 and 1967 I was an Arts Faculty student majoring in Anthropology at this University, commuting daily from the suburb of Shorncliffe and very much in love with a student from Papua New Guinea whom I had met at Tallbudgera in 1964," she said.
"I let my heart rule my life and never finished the degree, deciding instead to work while he completed his studies.
"In 1969 Buri and I married on campus at the Cromwell College Chapel and Sir Moi Avei, former Deputy Prime Minster of Papua New Guinea, stole flowers from the gardens of St Lucia to decorate the chapel for us as his contribution as the best man at the wedding.
"Forty years have passed since then and I never did finish the degree although I often intended to do so. For that reason today is of special significance for me."
More than 300 students graduated at the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences and Faculty of Arts ceremony.
Since 2002, Dame Carol has served as the Minister for Community Development in Papua New Guinea, implementing programs to reduce poverty and secure the rights of the country`s Indigenous people.
Born in Shorncliffe and educated at Sandgate High School, Dame Carol worked as a secondary school teacher for two decades before beginning her parliamentary career in 1997 as the Shadow Minister for Social Development.
She holds an Honorary Doctorate from Vudal University and was awarded the Imperial Award of DBE, the female equivalent of a knighthood, in January this year.
Former Queensland Treasurer The Honourable David Hamill graduated with a PhD in Political Science.
Treasurer of Queensland from 1998 to 2001, Minister for Education from 1995 to 1996, and Minister for Transport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Economic and Trade Development from 1989 to 1995, Mr Hamill was elected to the Queensland Parliament in 1983 and served six terms as MP for Ipswich until his retirement from the Parliament in February 2001.
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I wonder why not too many PNG women folks follow her lead? Is it because she has a Australia Heritage? We have absolutely no stand out women leader. There was Abijah, Rooney, Anne moitz and thats about it.
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I think the reason for a lot of women not standing up is because of the mindset that "you meri tasol" and whatever you have to say is not important.
Growing up around that kind of mindset- a lady has to overcome a worldview that is so strong and it takes determination and courage to do that. If you have the support of the menfolk in your family, maybe that makes it easier. However, if you dont have the support of your spouse/brothers,uncles, etc.. Than its very difficult.
Lady Kidu wasnt originally from PNG so it was easier for her to stand up for the rights of women. Maybe those other ladies had male support also. I dont know. However, all I know is that--if you dont have support from the males that are closer to you, than there's no use. However, that alone could be a reason for some women to stand up and fight harder.
I just want to see women be treated fairly.
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