There's a sense of optimism in Bougainville's future as polling continues in its independence referendum.
A fortnight-long polling period is underway for the autonomous Papua New Guinea region's non-binding referendum.
The deputy mayor of Bougainville's second town of Arawa, Genevieve Korokoro, says the referendum has galvanised a sense of unity among Bougainvilleans.
She spoke to Johnny Blades who began by asking about the importance of the role of women in leadership in Bougainville.
The deputy mayor of Arawa in Bougainville, Genevieve Korokoro. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
